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KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012 1
2 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012
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CONTENTS
KENYANSTAR MAGAZINE
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16
Henri Michel is the man in the arena
6 www.kenyanstar.co.ke
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42 ATHLETICS....................................6 - 11 SOCCER ......................................12 - 23 COVER MODEL...................... .......24 - 25 GOLF ...........................................28 - 31 MOVERS & SHAKERS ....................32 - 33 PICTORIAL ...................................34 - 35 CHESS .........................................36 - 39 HOCKEY .......................................40 - 41 SPOTLIGHT ...................................42 - 48 STADIA ................................................49 RUGBY ..........................................50 - 51 OPINION .......................................52 - 60 PITCH POET ........................................ 61 HEALTH ................................................62 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012 3
EDITORIAL
KENYANSTAR TEAM ADMINISTRATION Samuel Eyinda (samueleyinda@kenyanstar.co.ke) Booker Ngesa (booker@kenyanstar.co.ke) MANAGING EDITOR Michael Kwambo (michaelkwambo@kenyanstar.co.ke)
EDITOR’S NOTE
A lot has happened in the local sporting scene since the last issue, as is our tradition we bring you the best pick by our contributors. From nurturing sports talent in Shinyalu to St. Anthony’s School- Kitale and a journey down memory lane of Kenyan football coaches, we have lined up a package of sports features that is entertaining and enlightening.
EDITORIAL Gregory Mulemi Mwangi Gichau Victor Milimu John A. Otieno Antony Ongoma Edna Kivuva Francis Nandi James Oluoch DESIGN AND LAYOUT Alex Ireri (design@kenyanstar.co.ke)
I know we would like to forget Team Kenya’s performance at the 2012 London Olympics very fast. Before we send it to the archives, we look at Kenya’s curse of abundant talent, African hockey and NOCK chairman, the legendary Kipchoge Keino. Pitch poet is also waxing lyrical. Harambee Stars have a new coach while Tusker FC is trying to come to terms with their poor performance in Kagame Cup. They came back without winning a match and without scoring a goal. Gregory Mulemi and Francis Nandi bring you the details from the local football scene. We will start taking our sports seriously the moment we start looking at sports as a business. From business ventures to technology in sports and football in particular, we bring you the
PHOTOGRAPHY Gregory Mulemi
balance sheet side of sports. Communication is a basic fact of life but success is for those who take communication
EDITED BY: Kenyatta Otieno MARKETING & ADVERTISING: Ronoh Kiplangat John Anastacia A. Kodi Oliver Wanjala Elman
A Publication of Intercontinental Publishers Ltd P.O Box 45754 nairobi Tel:4443649/50/72 Fax:4443650 Cell: 0700126608 Email:info@kenyanstar.co.ke www.kenyanstar.co.ke
seriously; John Aggrey has some tips for us. We also have something on lifestyle choices and healthy eating; we are what we eat and a summation of our choices in life. Special Olympics may pass unnoticed to many, but the games are very special to some people. When it comes to sports transforming lives, then Special Olympics goes an extra mile for people with special challenges. We look at Ronak Sachania and what next year’s games mean to him and his mother. As a tradition, I have never played chess, but from our ‘know your game’ column, I will look for a chess board and indulge myself. Lastly Safaricom Sevens is here again and the Rugby fraternity is itching for a show. Thank you for picking a copy- read, enjoy and share.
Kenyanstar @Kenyanstar All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the editor is strictly prohibited
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Kenyatta Otieno www.facebook.com/kenyanstar
LETTERS
FEEDBACK
READER’S RESPONSE Hi Editorial team, Please for the love of God, do a profile of the person on your cover picture. Every time I pick a copy of the Kenyanstar, I can’t wait to read the story of the cover sportsman/woman (and they have all been men), only to find not even a paragraph about them. One of the reasons people pick up a magazine is the cover. I really wanted to read David Rudisha’s story and see some more pictures inside. Anyway, I hope you will take into account my suggestion, never mind my informal language.
Kenyanstar Team, Cover more games and send your sports writers to cover all sport activities in the country
Savvy.
Hello Kenyanstar, Great work you are doing. we do wish you the best as you continue with your positive quest to highlight our sportsmen and women. Kudos for the good work.
Response Your concerns are well noted. It has been a concern for us too, but I would like to assure you that the next edition will see the cover picture complimented with a comprehensive write up. Your input, much appreciated.
Fredrick Ongeri Response Thank you Fredrick, We are headed in that direction. Kindly consider letting us know any particular sports or and events you’d wish us to cover. Regards: Samuel
Dear Kenyanstar Team, I stand tall to send my congrats to all Kenyanstars reporters who are dedicated and well drilled in informing the public on what is happening on the ground, fast and with facts. On behalf of all St Anthony Alumnus, we appreciate the way you gave on the minute updates on the recently concluded KSSSA games in Mombasa. You did a great job so keep on with the good work as we rely on you the most. Raphael Kioma
IONHT INLIG OPOT SP
Regards, Ndeithi Kariuki
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; OUITSAELE ERHH OL- K OW P SC O E ’S H Y T NTHON
Regards, Michael Kwambo
ST. A
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2 OCT 201 SEP /
Up-Coming Events Football The Great Nairobi Derby: AFC Leopards Vs Gor Mahia Date: 23/09/2012 Time: 1500 Hrs Venue: Moi Sports Centre Kasarani
Rugby Safaricom Sevens Date: 21st - 23rd Sep 2012 Venue: Nyayo Stadium
Athletics
Cycling
Kenya Airways Masai MTB Race (Rift Valley Odyssey) Mara Marathon Date: 14 - 16 Sep Date: 21st Sep 2012 V e n u e : L e m e k 2012 Conservancy
Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon Date: 28th Oct 2012 Venue:Nyayo Stadium
For further info visit: www.riftvalleyodyssey.com info@riftvalleyodyssey.com
What would YOU want us to write about and cover in Kenyanstar? Is there anything you think is being done well or badly? Send your feedback and suggestions to info@kenyanstar.co.ke
Follow coverage of these events on our website, www.kenyanstar.co.ke
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KENYANSTAR SEP / OCT 2012 5
ATHLETICS
LONDON 2012; KENYA’S CURSE OF ABUNDANT TALENT
W
hen Ugandan Stephen Kiprotich ran away with the Marathon gold medal on the last day of 2012 Olympics, Kenyans were torn. Part of us wanted to be happy for our neighbours in the spirit of East African Cooperation for hearing their national anthem sang at the Olympics after 40 years. Then we were disappointed by our athletes’ failure to redeem the poor show at the last minute. Fo r g e t o u r g o ve r n m e n t o f f i c i a l s surpassing our athletes in numbers and perks. Ignore the synchronized drinking and s-tipple chase that the officials took to in London. These may have contributed to the dismal performance but they are evidence of complacent attitude. This is one Olympics
Ezekiel Kemboi celebrates his Olympic Gold medal
Team Kenya’s performance at the 2012 Olympics was disappointing. Two gold medals from a controversy laden camp full of joy-riders is a story we would like to forget fast. Before we press ‘delete’- Kenyatta Otieno takes a look at a blessing that may be turning into our curse in athletics. 6 KENYANSTAR SEP / OCT 2012
t h e National Olympics Council of Kenya- NOCK will want to forget very fast. Before it is archived, I beg them to look at it with a clinical lens. The mistakes need to be owned and solutions sought, not as a punitive measure but more for progressive restitution. The fall of the best As Olympics progressed, FIFA released the World Football rankings and as usual Kenya dropped. The screaming fact was Brazil at position thirteen. It is not news when Kenya is below position one hundred but for Brazil to miss a top ten position, is hot cake of news. That is where Kenya finds itself when we lose in middle and long distance races.
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ATHLETICS
Like Brazil in football, we never lack athletics talent; we have never been bothered about it since Kipchoge Keino won gold at the 1968 Mexico Olympics. When Kaka (Ricardo) dips in form at Real Madrid and Ronaldinho drops at AC Milan to end up in Flemingo, it is no big deal for Brazil. Neymar and Oscar will rise to replace them, and Brazil opens a new phase in their national team seamlessly. When Paul Tergat slowly went out of the marathon scene and Haile Gabrselasie broke his marathon record. It did not take long before the late Samuel Wanjiru won the Beijing
Olympic gold and Patrick Makau snatched the record from King Haile. We failed to shine on the tracks save for a good show from David Rudisha, Ezekiel Kemboi and “You Tube” javelin man Julius Yego. Brazil did much better in Olympic football but fell to Mexico in the finals, another anti-climax to a gifted side failing when it matters. The curse of the gifted Like Brazil, we are suffering from the curse of the gifted, prone to talented individuals but herein evident in a nation. Exceptional talent has become the rope with which many people have hanged themselves. It is the route to the gate of no return, but the few who return end up as a pale shadow of their former selves, reminiscing more of the good old days. For a country to be able to produce many exceptional talents, any of which could make for a great career; having an abundance of
choices is “both a blessing and a curse.” It either makes one complacent or prone to self destructive tendencies, the former applies to national teams more so the officials. Sadananad Vishwanath or simply Sada was an emerging gem of talent in Indian Cricket. In recent press interviews he looked back on his life with a certain calm resignation. “Fame is heady,” he said. “It is so sudden, it catches you unprepared. It is intoxicating; it gets to your head and messes with it.” The fame and status that comes with winning may have gone into the head of NOCK as an
organization and the officials as well. Like Sada, they got intoxicated by the fact that individual athletes train well and always win. The national trials have even been dabbed “world championships”- a tag which has led to complacency. The winning works in two ways, it covers the complacency and mediocrity by blinding the public. Then the public basks in the glory our athletes bring without questioning. When we perform dismally, it exposes our officials’ lack of seriousness; we all know it is not about talent or the lack of it. The scaffolding of greed The tussle between athletes, Athletics Kenya and NOCK on the pre- Olympic Bristol Camp should h a v e sounded alarm bells to the government. Ezekiel Kemboi went off to Bristol and flew back to train at Kasarani. There must have been more to this Bristol business than we got to hear. The fact is, by taking the athletes early, the officials were entitled to a KSH. 24,000 per day allowance. The camp was a good idea not to the team’s performance but for the officials pocket and desire for all paid for ‘holiday.’ Nike- the official Team Kenya kit suppliers experienced the Kenyan greed first hand. Athletes demonstrated to their London offices and they had to provide extra kits. The 200 kits supplied ended up with officials before the athletes, I wonder how they fit in them with their pot-bellies. Nike said the kits did not cover officials. David Danford bought his own swimming kit and David Rudisha’s medal award ceremony had to be delayed as a ceremonial kit was sought. If Rudisha as captain did not get a ceremonial kit, then
KENYANSTAR SEP / OCT 2012 7
who did the officials expect to win a gold medal? If tribalism, nepotism and impunity are a threat to our nationhood, someone needs to save us from our greed. Greed is the scaffolding that we will hang on as a society. We will still reign We have not seen the last of Brazil and so we have not seen the last of Kenya yet. Nature has endowed us with the ability to produce runners with little or no organized effort. The way of life for children in the Rift Valley coupled with the prevailing environment works for us. No one can take this from us, not Ethiopians, Ugandans or even our greedy officials. Ethiopia will specialize; there will be (Abebe) Bikila, (Deratu) Tulu, King Haile, then (Kenenisa) Bekele, successively. They always have one reigning athlete at a time; it is now (Tirunesh) Dibaba. Somalia born Mo Farah’s double win for Britain in 10,000 and 5,000 metres does not mean much, I doubt if Britain will import another top talent soon. Kenya on the other hand can produce several top athletes at a time. This is the reason why I believe we will still rule the tracks for a long time to come. The other countries will capitalize on breaking the run of our specific athletes, but it will be temporary. This does not mean we relax, who knows- just as Spain has broken Brazil’s reign in World Football, someone could be plotting to end our reign in athletics. Let us learn from our mistakes in London and take our athletics seriously. Natural gifting is only a blessing to the wise, on the contrary it may just be a curse that brings gloom.
ATHLETICS
SPECIAL OLYMPICS It is more important to participate than to win; nothing embodies this Olympics slogan than the Special Olympics. The games are more about participants well being than winning or losing, writes Edna Kivuva
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H
is innocent smile, long gaze in the air, a few incoherent words, immense energy in the field and intense concentration to the coach, will definitely attract your attention. Mr Ronak Sachania is among the special athlete’s training in floor hockey and football in order to be selected to represent Kenya in the world winter Special Olympics in South Korea come January next year.
KENYANSTAR SEP / OCT 2012 9
Volleyball
His mother Ranjan Sachania, the vice chairperson in the committee for Down Syndrome society of Kenya, admits that whether a child is normal or special; parents will always face challenges raising them. However if the child is special like hers who has Down syndrome, their appreciation of the community depends on how a parent accepts them first. “This games have made Ronak more confident, interactive with other children and he is always looking forward to Saturdays so that he can train with the other athletes”, she confirms. The nineteen year old has down syndrome, but this does not deter him from realizing his dream of becoming an engineer. Ronak is pursuing a Diploma in electrical and electronics at SOS Children’s’ Villages Kenya College
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in Buruburu. Overcoming Challenges “I have been getting good reports from Ronak’s teachers, but the greatest challenge to him is that he cannot learn the theory part but can only do the vocational bit of the course. He has learnt a lot and can fix electrical appliances at home when they break down”, Ms Ranjan Sachania reminisces. She admits that Parklands is far from Buruburu making transport expensive, thus she has to part with Ksh. 600 daily to hire a motorbike to take Ronak to college and fetch him in the evening. Ms Sachania who is the coordinator for parents support at the Kenya Special Olympics confesses that Ronak did not qualify to join the team going to the special world competitions. But she always ensures he comes
for trainings every Saturday at the University of Nairobi grounds; “I hope next time he will be part of the next world competitions.” “We always take Ronak to the temple with us, because he loves music and dancing. We also go to the malls with him because we love him, he is our only child and everywhere we go people just love him” she says jovially. Future Plans Ms Sachania plans to open up a shop dealing with electrical and electronic appliances in future where she hopes to incorporate her son. “I want him to be totally independent financially by the time he is thirty so that he can make his own decisions in life”, she asserts. Kenya Special Olympics Games Manager
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ATHLETICS SOCCER
The Games Manager at Kenya Special Olympics (KSO) Ms Susan Muinde encourages parents with children special needs to bring them for games. She affirms that when the parents get them to mingle with others it helps them to be social, calm and disciplined due to the rules in sports. “It is so unfortunate that some people call people who are intellectually challenged; machizi, havuti waya, amefiatu, and worse in our local languages. Yet there is so much that people with special needs can achieve if supported”, she acknowledges. Ms Sachania says that his son is very keen about everything he does, he is neat, and very independent. She notes that Ronak is currently going through a financial training so that he can know how to manage his money beside his Diploma course in electrical electronics. She can send him to the shop and be assured he will bring the correct change. “I have realized that if you give Ronak a chance to learn, he is able to do it without any assistance and when you give him a gift, no matter how small he really appreciates. I call him my gift from God, whenever I go everyone wants to meet him because I am proud of him” she enthuses. Last year the Kenya team brought several medals from the World Summer Special Olympic Games in Greece. They were able to get 21 gold medals, 13 silver medals and 1 bronze medal which was a great triumph. Ms Muinde states that this year they have slotted the floor hockey games because most of the other games are in-door and they require ice like skating, skiing, among others which we do not
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have in Kenya. “We have innovated local sticks and packs, which we have given to various clubs practicing floor hockey, we have challenges with the equipment and training grounds. But we are hoping as we near the winter games we will access an appropriate ground to train because we want to win gold”, Muinde hopes. Ms Muinde highlights that in October they will be pioneers in the first Africa Regional Special Games to compete for the unified cup to be held in South Africa. They have entered a unified football team for both those with and without intellectual disability, and they are expecting to win. In September the Kenya Special Olympics team will be taking a swimming team to Puerto-Rico for an aquatic competition which is the only sport they will be participating in. “We have health screening for our team to check whether our athletes are in good health because we realized that their health needs are at times neglected. We are going to have five screenings done by qualified doctors who are also trained by
Kenya Special Olympics to cater for persons with special needs,” emphasized Ms Muinde. It is more important to participate The Special Olympics coach Mr Joshua Agare, articulates that for one to qualify to be a good athlete, discipline is required. He believes that everyone is a winner, the fact that one has made an attempt means they have tried and this to him is good enough. “Our slogan is that we are winners and if we do not win at least we made an attempt”, Agare reiterates. Special Olympics does not focus on winning ribbons or medals. The fact that one has participated is enough to make one a hero. Mr Ag a re w ho is a fo r m e r participant of the Special Olympic Games has won several medals; in 1995 he won two gold and one silver medals, while last year he won a silver medal in handball. Kenya Special Olympics started in 1978 and prides in being the oldest in Africa. The games started in the special schools that we have in the country. South Korea 2013, wait for this team.
KENYANSTAR SEP / OCT 2012 11
Volleyball SOCCER SOCCER Yanga celebrates after winning the CECAFA Kagame Cup
CECAFA KAGAME CUP REVIEW Tusker FC’s exit from CECAFA club championships however disappointing to Kenyans did not water down the action in Dar-es-Salaam, writes Lindah Wanjiku.
T
he 39th Edition of the East and Central Africa inter club championships was staged at the National Stadium in Dar Es Salaam. Ta n z a n i a ’s Yo u n g A f r i c a n s successfully defended their C E C A FA Ka g a m e C u p t i t l e , winning it for the fourth time in their history. It was a breathtaking final that saw the two teams battle it out to win the cup and
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write history. Azam FC, participating in the tournament for their very first time believed they could snap the carpet off Yanga’s feet and carry home the trophy. Azam last season’s second runners up in the league last season have been building a force to shake the Yanga/Simba dominance in the past few years. Despite losing in the finals, Azam went home with heads high as
they left many admiring their charismatic and passionate mode of play. The tournament was well organized by the Council of East and Central African Football (CECAFA) in association with the Tanzanian Football Federation. This time the referees did a good job as the officiating was of high standard. The tournament opened its doors to South Sudan, Africa’s 53rd state who recently enrolled as members of FIFA, CAF and CECAFA. El Salaam Wau who are the Champions of South Sudan were the new kids on the block, however, they turned out to be punching bags as they still have many lessons to learn. “This is the very first time we are participating in this tournament and that can explain why we are getting such beatings. But let them enjoy this now because next year when we come back, we will be a better side. They will be surprised we will beat them,” said Wau coach. Wau Salaam conceded a total of 19 goals, seven times against
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Volleyball SOCCER
Yanga and APR while and five against Vita Club. They managed to score one goal past Yanga though. The other debutants in the tournament; Vita Club of DR Congo, Mafunzo of Zanzibar and Atletico of Burundi gave a good account of themselves by reaching the Quarter finals. Mafunzo were beaten on post match penalties by champions Yanga. Vita Club lost 2-1 to Azam in the semis after seeing off Atletico 2-1 in the quarters. Yanga’s Saidi Bahanuzi was crowned the tournament’s top scorer with seven goals. The Striker’s screamer of a goal a ga i ns t A z a m i n t h e f in als cemented his foot on the golden boot. Taddy Etikiama of Vita Club and Bahanuzi’s team mate Hamisi Kiiza were second with six goals each. Some of the players who impressed in the two week tournament include Atletico’s Didier Kavumbagu who ended up being signed by Yanga, Haiti born APR player Leonel St. Preus and Azam striker John Bosco. Kenya’s representatives, Tusker FC exited the tournament in the Group stages, without scoring a single goal but more positively without conceding. The Kenyan Champions were in a three team Pool where a win would assure them of a quarter final berth. However, barren draws against Azam of Tanzania mainland and Mafunzo of Zanzibar sealed their fate. With Mafunzo and Azam having played to a 1-1 draw in their first match, they sailed to the next round on “Goals Scored” rule. “It was a difficult group and we are only sad that we could
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Tusker’s Fredrick Ochieng during the CECAFA Kagame Cup in Dar Es Salaam
not score. That has been our problem and it came to haunt us in CECAFA. We played well according to me and we were just unlucky. We were in a tight group and both our opponents were very good. We are leaving with better experience.” That is according to coach Sammy Omollo. The CECAFA Secretary General Nicholas Musonye was of course disappointed that a team from his motherland failed to make past the group stages but was pleased with the organization of the tournament. “Everything went on as planned despite the minimal finances we had. We thank TFF for their support and generally the people of Tanzania for always being in the Stadium. The purpose of this tournament is to bring the people of East Africa together as well as making the CECAFA region stronger. We do hope that teams are going to use the experience they get here to better themselves
even when they proceed to continental championships,” He said. Overall, Tanzanian giants Simba are the most successful Club in the tournament. They have won it six times; 1974, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1996 and 2002. They came close to their seventh title last year but lost 1-0 to bitter rivals Yanga in the finals. Kenya’s AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia and Tusker have all won it five times. Leopards won it in 1979, 1982, 1983, 1984 and lastly in 1997. They are better placed than Gor because they have been runners up three times. Gor last won the tournament in 1985 having previously clinched it in 1976, 1977, 1980 and 1981. Tusker has won the tournament twice in a row in 2000 and 2001they also bagged the title in 1988, 1989 and the latest in 2008. For more on the history of Kenyan clubs in Kagame Cup, read Francis Nandi’s article on page
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LESSONS FROM 2012 CECAFA CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP Kenya is slowly losing its grip on the regional football front making self evaluation critical. John Aggery looks at recently completed Kagame Club Cup to bring us take outs that may be good for the local game.
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he 2012 tournament was the 39th edition of the Kagame Interclub’s Cup, organized annually by CECAFA. It kicked off on 14 July and ended on 28 July 2012. Tanzania hosted the tournament for the eleventh time since it officially began in 1974, when they also hosted. Attended by eleven teams from 9 associations from East and Central Africa, Kenya was represented this year by Tusker, the 2011 KPL champions. Just like any other tournament, expectations back home were high as Tusker having already won the title on five occasions earlier were deemed capable of adding on to
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their tally of CECAFA silverware. But so as things would turn out; Tusker FC failed to register even a single win; drawing both, scoring none and conceding none. Quite a record; right? But what a shame; an early exit faced the team and just as in the 2011 and 2009 editions, tough lessons were here to be learnt. So, here then I take a look at some of the lessons to learn from the 2012 CECAFA club championships. KPL is weak / we are no longer a powerhouse in club football As a Kenyan it would be so unwise to complain about the league in this country having in mind the problems the league has had to
deal with in the past. Shock on you though; we are just not good enough yet. While Tanzania could afford even two teams in the finals, we Kenya were not able to even pass the group stage. Can we call our league superior? Can we? According to the recent IFFHS League ranking, the Kenya Premier League was actually ranked at position 122 World Wide. In the order of strong leagues in the world, KPL came last out of the countries that were ranked. KPL CEO Jack Oguda was quoted saying that “This is a disturbing trend and we need to find a quick solution especially by reaching to the root cause of the problem so that we can achieve a long lasting solution that will ensure our clubs compete favorably on the continental stage,.” Up to now though, we will wait and see if any solution will be found. Spice is in the sponsorship and fans It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Tanzania has been able to host the CECAFA Club Championships for the last three years in a row. Boasting of passionate fans and corporate
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firms that are always willing to add value to the tournament by massive sponsorships; organizers will find it hard to ignore them Tanzania. Comparing this to the last time a CECAFA event was hosted in Kenya, we will all agree we are miles behind countries like Tanzania. Sponsors and advertisers alike in any country wouldn’t want to advertise their products in empty stadiums. Crowds draw them to the organizers to sign deals and endorsements. Come on Kenyans, we can do better. 40 million people? Can’t we just get even a million for two weeks? Sure we can. Foreign coaches are better than local tacticians Investing in a good team is one thing, investing in a good coach is another; or rather finding a good player and finding a good coach are two different ball games. This is a lesson we have picked from Dar-essalaam. Young Africans, Azam and APR made it to the Semi Finals of this tournament with foreign coaches on their technical bench. It is no rocket science that foreign guarantees success. The fact that a club can attract a coach from Europe or Americas points to ambition in a club. Not wanting to dwell so much on this; it’s a challenge to the local coaches. With firsthand knowledge of the local game they should be able to perform better than foreigners who some of my good friends would love to label as tourists. Goals light up a tournament The greatest statistic in any football match as I’ve come to learn since I was a kid is the score line. Contrary to a league format, goals help a
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Yanga players celebrates after scoring against APR of Rwanda in the CECAFA Kagame Cup Finals
team proceed to the next stage while a loss if not in the group stage kicks you out of the tournament. So just like in any tournament, the rules were clear from the beginning. So in this edition, in case of a tie in points at the completion of the group stage, the following criteria was to be applied to determine the rankings (in descending order) 1. Number of points obtained in games between the teams involved; 2. Goal difference in games between the teams involved; 3. Goals scored in games between the teams involved; 4. Away goals scored in games between the teams involved; 5. Goal difference in all games; 6. Goals scored in all games; 7. Drawing of lots. Tusker FC for all they played in a group of three teams managed to register only two points but was eliminated by virtue of having scored no goal in the whole tournament. Azam and Mafunzo thus proceeded from this group with Azam taking first position alphabetically and Mafunzo coming in second. Simple mathematics; had Tusker scored just a goal in their final game, qualification would have well been within sight. Is Boniface Oluoch jinxed?
Some of us may argue that Tusker FC’s goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch is a jinxed man, but I beg to differ. Sometimes I think he’s just a victim of circumstances or rather he makes mistakes at the wrong time. In 2010 as Kenya lost to Uganda at the CECAFA championships held in Dar Es Salam it was him who got sent off. This time though in as much as a lot of debate surrounded his dismissal, he was lucky not to have given away a penalty as it was in 2010. So forget about the red cards; here is one to do with the coaches. In 2010 Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee quit his job moments after Kenya got knocked out of the 2010 tourney. In 2012 though, a few weeks later the club coach Sammy Omolo got fired alongside his Team Manager. I really don’t think this is a good statistic to believe but hell no, it’s here and that’s how it stands. So does it mean the next time Boniface gets sent off, the coach should put in a resignation or just pack his bags? So much more could be learnt from the tournament that I might not have been able to put down in writing. Credit to the organizers, sponsors, officials, teams, fans and the eventual winners Young Africans famously known as Yanga. Well played, well won.
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HENRI MICHEL IS THE MAN IN THE ARENA Former KFF chairman the late Job Omino once said coaches come and go but the national team remains. Henri Michel is coming and he will definitely go at some point, let’s see what he does in between- writes Lindah Wanjiku.
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H
arambee Stars last went to the African Cup of Nations in 2004, Tunisia under Coach Jacob ghost Mulei. They bowed out in the group stages, winning a single match against Burkina Faso. Since then, the National team has struggled, coming close to qualification in 2008 under Coach Francis Kimanzi. No Coach has stayed in the job for more than six months as time and again the sack comes when results are hard to come by. Francis Kimanzi was given a soft landing in June, re-deployed to the position of FKF Technical Director. His entire technical bench at Harambee Stars Coach was however sent home. Football Kenya Federation then sent out invites for interested coaches to apply for the job, attracting an overwhelming response from over 60 international coaches. Ten were shortlisted for further scrutiny by the Federation; Serbians Kikovic Milenko, Ratomir Djukovic and Miodrag Dujkovic. Luc Eyamel, Adel Amrouche and Tom Saintfiet from Belgium, and French men Claude Leroy, Henri Michel and Raymond Domenech together with German Otto Pfister. The ten names were cut down to four; Adel Amrouche, immediate former Burundi National Team Coach, Tom Saintfeit- current Yanga Coach, World Cup winner Raymond Dommenech and his fellow French man Henri Michel. After deliberations, Henri Michel got the job to take charge of Harambee Stars; we look at Henri Michel’s portfolio and compare it with the other three shortlisted alongside him. Henri Michel Michel was the most likely
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candidate to land the Stars job due to his experience in Africa as well as being the “most affordable.” Michel managed the French national, guiding them to the gold medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics, and the third place at the 1986 World Cup. After that, he moved to Africa where he got his first coaching job with The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in 1994. He stayed in Yaunde for a year before moving to Morroco where he coached the Atlas Lions for five years until 2000. He then moved to neighboring Tunisia up to 2002 taking them to the 2002 World
Cup, but was fired when Tunisia exited the 2002 African Cup of Nations in the first round without scoring a single goal. In 2006 he managed the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where they played well but went down to Argentina and the Netherlands, before beating Serbia & Montenegro 3–2 in their final match. After the 2006 World Cup he joined the Egyptian club Zamalek. He left the club in 2007 to return to Morocco, but his stay there was short-lived with a poor showing at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations where Morocco exited in the first round. In 2008 he was appointed coach of Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa. He left in March 2009 after being chased by an angry mob demanding his resignation. After the show down in South Africa, Michel moved to Egyptian side Zamalek in August 2009 but his stay was cut short in November 2009. He was fired when the club dropped to 15 points behind bitter rivals Al Ahly in the Egyptian league. Moving on to Morroco where he coached Raja de Casablanca winning the CAF Confederations Cup. In December 2010, Michel was hired as head coach of the Equatorial Guinea to lead the team for 2012 Africa Cup of Nations which they co-hosted with Gabon. He resigned suddenly on 19 October 2011, with the Africa Cup of Nations three months away, claiming he could not have the best players in the country; five days later he was rehired after the dismissal of Sports Minister Ruslan Obiang Nsue. In December 2011, he now resigned for good citing interference from a “third party.”
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much needed adrenaline in the run to top their league. The top four teams in Zone A are separated by seven points which makes it hard to predict who is will earn promotion. In Zone B, the story is the same as each side is trying to outsmart the other to get promotion to KPL. Agro Chemical FC is leading the chase for promotion and things are looking tight with three sides, Kakamega Homeboyz, Nakuru All Stars and Finlay Horticulture hot on their heels.
Administration Police celebratesMichael Khamati’s winning goal against Admiral FC. The march ended 2-1in favour of the policemen.
NATIONWIDE VIBE The football battle seems to be hot in the Nationwide as compared to the Top flight- KPL, Gregory Mulemi brings us an overview of who might get promotion next season.
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hen 40 clubs were cleared to take part in the FKF Nationwide league, many expected the usual negative reports from the second tier league. Very few cases of poor officiating and match fixing have been reported and with the second leg just under way, Eastern- Zone A leadership is changing hands every week. First leg run away leaders Kariobangi Sharks are finding it rough in the second leg. They were eight points clear in the first leg but have since lost
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ground to Bandari with Bidco and Administration Police closing in fast. First leg: Bandari who were relegated in 2011 are plotting a swift return to the top flight and they seem to be doing so in style. Coach Rishadi Shedu is keen to make sure they don’t miss out on promotion to the top flight come January. The signing of experienced Puzo Hussein from Karuturi and Anthony Mbuthia plus a host of other experienced players is what has helped the Portmen with the
Surprise package in Zone B Homeboys are the surprise story in Zone B. They have lost only one match this season clearly stating their intentions. Nakuru All Stars are third in the log and the power of depth in the squad is playing a big role as we enter the homestretch in the league. Finlay Horticulture is fourth and may be the team to replace any club relegated from the top flight at the end of the season. Bottom teams in each Zone are just finding it tough. Mathare Youth are not even talking of escaping relegation but how to finish the league in a respectable position. The slum boys have now earned the tag of ‘feeder club’ to Mathare Unted and this seems to cost them big time. Financial constrains may be a contributing factor to the side’s dismal performance in the league. They are bottom of Zone A. In Zone B, Milimani are bottom of the 20-team table with only three points from a possible 60. The Homabay side has not won a match this season which has already confined them to relegation.
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Highlights Goals-goals GOALS At the close of the first leg, 15 goals were scored in what was one of the most memorable finales in the KPL. A total of 214 goals were scored in the first leg where John Baraza continued to hit the headlines once again netting 12 goals to top the chats.
FKF Chairman Sam Nyamweya presenting the KPL Top 8 trophy to Gor Mahia. Gor beat Ulinzi Star 2- 0 in the final.
KPL REVIEW Two coaches have been shown the door in the battle for KPL title, while the top scorer has a chance of hitting 20 goals and may be beat Allan Wanga’s feat of 2007. Gregory Mulemi looks at what is turning out to be a high stakes battle of sackings, shockers and maximum points.
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celebration wouldn’t be the same without a few words from the centre of attention. These words from Bill Shankly can best describe this season’s Kenya Premier League. From day one of the second leg, a lot has happened with many fans witnessing the unexpected. At the end of the first leg, Tusker FC was top of the league and nothing seemed to stop them. A 2-0 drubbing of Rangers on the
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opening day of the second leg made many think that Sammy Omollo was going for nothing but the title, little did we know that this was Pamzo’s last win before being sacked three weeks later. Tusker’s reign at the top of the KPL ended after match day 18 when 12 time champions AFC Leopards went on to of the log to open a seven point gap after Sofapaka and Tusker dropped points.
Transfers: AFC Leopards lost Salim Kinje to Simba Sports of Tanzania, Musa Mude left Sofapaka for Simba of Uganda, Brian Mandela left Tusker for Sanlam Santos and Pascal Ochieng’ parted ways with Rangers to join AFC Leopards for free before he surfaced in Tanzania with Simba SC. Money exchanged hands in June and AFC Leopards had their biggest transfer target Floribert Ndayisaba (worth around KSH. 1.2 M) wait for a month before getting clearance to play for his new club. Once again International Transfer Certificate (ITC) was a problem that locked out several players for a few matches. During the transfer window, Rangers did most of the business by signing a total of 15 players. A total of 81 players changed clubs; the stage was set for the
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Gor Mahia’s Dan Serunkuma outpaces Ulinzi Stars’ Stephen Ochola in the Top 8 final.
homestretch as the league grows more and more competitive. Movers and shakers: Thika United Thika United had Hadji Mwachoki return after two seasons with Gor Mahia and Chemelil Sugar. However,the Brookside sponsored side is just finding it rough in the second leg. Thika United under the stewardship of John Kamau and James Omondi soaked in 9 goals in two matches. Sofapaka scored four goals in Thika and Leopards gave them five in Nairobi. Ulinzi Stars NOTHING seems to be going wrong for Nakuru based Ulinzi Stars who have had a perfect run in the second half of the season. They have lost only once in the league and are in the Top 8 Finals. The soldiers who had a disastrous first leg are back in contention
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for the KPL title; they will wait for slip-ups at the summit that is currently being held by AFC Leopards followed by Sofapaka. But perhaps the biggest upset was Leopards dramatic comeback from 1-3 down to beat KCB 4-3 at the City Stadium to end a worrisome losing streak by Leopards. Gor Mahia Zdravko Logarusic and Gor Mahia Now listen to this, ten matches in KPL and losing none, Gor Mahia has been in imperious form in the last ten matches and has dropped only two points against Sofapaka in week 20 of the KPL. It is this form that has many bookmakers think that Gor are slowly getting closer to winning the league. Rama Salim has been the chief architect in most of the occasions and with the capture of Danni Serunkuma from City Stars, the twin attack is unstopable.
AFC Leopards Ingwe have steadily risen in the past one year under coach Jan Koops. The 12 time champions have not conceded a single goal in the second leg after round 22 of matches. If this continues, they will no doubt lift the trophy they have not seen for close to a decade and a half. Before being declared champs, they will have to go past Tusker, Gor Mahia, Ulinzi Stars and KCB. A 5-0 thumping of Thika United on day 22 of the KPL sent a serious warning to title rivals. Fluid passing and taking of chances is what Jan Koops is trying to instil into a team that seem to be responding to it in a new isokonde style (ingwes post match kind of haka.) Tusker FC The sacking of Sammy Omollo surprised many but it may be what the team needed after a string of poor results from May. Tusker was bundled out of the CECAFA Kagame Cup and has won only one match in the second leg of the KPL. With George Maina steering the Brewers, he has a tough task of ensuring that the title goes back to Ruaraka. We expect fireworks before November but what the title may be as good as won by end of October before the FKF Cup finals. So far, the relegation candidates are Muhoroni Youth, Oserian, Rangers, City Stars and KCB. The Champions of this year may as well come from AFC Leopards, Sofapaka, Ulinzi Stars, Thika United and Gor Mahia. Meanwhile, FKF and KPL needs to sort out the our officiating which may ruin a spectacular show.
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KENYANSTAR SEP / OCT 2012 21
KPL 2012 FACTS AND STATISTICS
(As of 28th of August 2012)
By Michael Kirwa
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here have been 45 away wins this season. Thika United, 7 wins, have the most and Oserain, 0 wins, have least. Oserian also hold the record of most minutes played without scoring a goal away from home; 683 minutes.
yellows (8) this season than Mathare United’s combative midfielder Tirus Omondi (7 yellows). If the count is extended to last season then no one comes close to Karuturi Sports’ Midfielder Victor Majid who has picked 14 yellows since the beginning of last season.
- Only 4 players have played every minute of their team’s league matches this season. The four are Vincent Nyaberi (Thika United, 1980 minutes), Willis Ouma and James Agembe (Chemelil Sugar, 1890 minutes) and Kevin Ouma (Ulinzi Stars, 1800 minutes). Of the four players, who are all defenders, Willis and Nyaberi are the only yet to be booked.
- One can not talk about discipline without mentioning red cards. This season has seen 19 red cards with 6 teams having two players sent off this season. The 5 teams are Chemelil Sugar, City Stars, Mathare United, Oserian and Rangers. AFC Leopards and Muhoroni Youth are the only teams yet to have a player sent off.
- Only Karuturi Sports’ Mustapha Ogutu has been shown more
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- Gor Mahia goalkeeper Wycliffe Kasaya last won a league match he played in on November 14 2010
when Red Berets beat Mathare United 2-1. Since then he has played 9 league matches drawing 5 and losing 4. Last season he was one of two players to be booked while seated on the bench. The other was Mark Sirengo. This season, along with Oserian goalkeeper EnockObong’o, they are the only players to be booked after the final whistle. True what they said, you have to be crazy to be a goalkeeper. - Of the 331 goals that have been scored this season, only one was scored and assisted by a substitute. That is EnockAgwanda’s goal versus Mathare United in Week 1. The goal was assisted by Joshua Oyoo. Both had replaced Mike Simiyu and Isaiah Omondi respectively in the 46th minute. - Still on goals, only 2 goalkeepers have assisted a goal this season: Sony Sugar’s Collins Oduor (v. Mathare United in Week 1) and Karuturi Sports’ Michael Wanyika (v. Ulinzi Stars in Week 2). - So far, referees have pointed to the spot 42 times. The penalties have been taken by 32 different players and only 9 of those players failed to convert. Five of the 10 penalties that were not converted came in
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KPL Referee Nasoor Dhoka displaying his award after the Top 8 Final.
matches involving Muhoroni Youth. Their former striker Geoffrey Simiyu is the only to fail to convert twice from the spot but was lucky to score from the rebound in both cases. S o fapak a s t r ike r and league topscorer John Baraza has scored the most (4) and referee NasurDoka has awarded the most (8). Chemelil Sugar is the only side yet to give away a penalty whereas Rangers and City Stars are the only yet to be awarded a penalty. - Mathare United and Thika United have scored in the most consecutive league matches this season. Mathare United’s streak is ongoing and Thika’s streak lasted between week 6 and week 15. _ Ulinzi Stars is the only team yet to draw a match at home. Their last
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draw at home was on August 20 2011 against Gor Mahia.
1241 minutes at parity with their opponents.
- Speaking of Gor Mahia, 65% (15/23) of the goals they have scored this season have been scored or assisted by foreigners: the highest proportion in the league and they are followed closely by City Stars (50%) and AFC Leopards (38%).
- There have been 15 different scorelines this season of which 10 have occurred at least twice. 1-0, with 50 occurences, is the most frequent.
- If goals scored or assisted by foreigners were to be deducted, Western Stima would top the league table with 37 points. - Ulinzi Stars have spent the most minutes (660) this season leading their opponents whereas Oserian (699) have spent the most minutes trailing their opponents. Karuturi Sports have spent a league high
- Only 4 matches this season of the 172 played have did not see a card shown. The four matches are Karuturi Sports-Sofapaka, TuskerKCB, Western Stima-Oserian and KCB-Oserian. Of the four, TuskerKCB and Karuturi Sports-Sofapaka did not see a goal scored. For more statistics visit us on facebook.com/89:59
89_59football www.football254.com
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COVER MODEL
A
JERIM ONYANGO
loyal servant will stay in your backyard even if things are sticky. Gor Mahia FC has had sticky times and now they are enjoying success. One man at Gor Mahia has seen it all, he has been the hero and sometimes the villain. Gor Mahia goalkeeper Jerim Fredrick Onyango has been Gor’s most consistent player in the past three seasons. His loyalty and dedication has seen him made captain of the team that is currently enjoying good form both in the league and domestic cup competitions. In 2010, he conceded only 15 goals and this made him earn a call up to the national team. His first assignment in Stars colours was away to South Africa in a friendly match and he did not disappoint in the night Bafana Bafana won 1-0. His form saw him handed his first ever call up to the national team. And this season he has again hit form at Kogalo under new coach Zdravko Logarusic and his consistency has condemned to the bench Wycliff Kasaya and Ivan Mapunda. Kenyanstar caught up with Jerim Onyango after the Top 8 triumph and this is his story.
Q: Which teams have you played for in your career? Jerry: I have only played for two teams. I played for Nationwide side KRA from 2006-2008 and Gor Mahia which I joined in 2008.
Q: Where were you born and which schools did you attend? Jerry: I was born in Ugunja district Siaya County, on 18th Nov1984 in a family of two brothers and two sisters to my late parents James Oduor Odhiambo and Rosemary Auma Oduor. I went to Kibera Primary School then joined Kamukunji High School in 2001 where I studied until 2004 then moved to St. Peters Rambula Mixed Secondary School.
Q: When playing for a big club like Gor Mahia do you feel pressure going into a match? Jerry: As a captain you have to lead by example and that is what I am trying to do. The pressure is always there but with hardwork and teamwork, good results ease the pressure.
Q: When did you start playing football? Jerry: I started playing football when i was in Kamkunji.
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Q: What inspired you to be a goal keeper? Jerry: My late father loved Brazilian keeper Tafarel and he urged me to be like him. After watching Tafarel I knew that I could be like him one day and i still live the dream. My role model locally is keeper Arnold Origi and internationally retired Edwin Van Der Sar. I would love to emulate them. Q: How many caps to you have for the national team? Jerry: I have five caps for Stars having played in matches against Angola, Sudan, South Africa, Egypt and Congo. Q: As a goalkeeper which striker do you feel gives you a hard time when playing against? Jerry: Sofapaka’s striker John Baraza because he is so good infront of goal.
Q: What are your ambitions as a keeper? Jerry: I want to be the best keeper in Kenya and one day play professionally for Manchester United in England. Q: Tell us about your family? Jerry: I am married to Josephine Lolim
and we have a son Cristiano Ochieng aged 3 years. Q: What are some of your hobbies ? Jerry: I enjoy dancing, watching movies and making friends. Q: Your favourite food? Jerry: I like Ugali and fish and Osuga(traditional vegetables) Q: The match between your side Gor Mahia and bitter rivals AFC Leopards has always been a fiery clash, how do you relate to this match? Jerry: This is always a tough match. as history has proven that anybody can win this match. Players on both teams dream of playing in such a big match. We train very hard and as they say, in a derby, form does not count but the output of the players on the pitch. Q: Your parting shot? Jerry: I want to thank the entire Gor Mahia family for the support they have accorded to us even when things were sticky, as the team captain, i will continue giving my best for the team and i know that one day, we will achieve our dream.
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TOURNAMENT REVIEW; COPA COCA-COLA
Gregory Mulemi was out following Copa Coca-Cola across the country to bring us an overview of the action.
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he premier U-17 grassroots youth football league games kicked off on March 14th with players from different counties show casing their talent. The first round of action was witnessed in Laikipia, Garissa, Kakamega, Murang’a, Migori, Tana River, Trans Nzoia and Kericho Counties. After five months of action, M o m b a s a ’s M b a ra k i S p o r t s Stadium hosted this year’s COPA Coca-Cola national finals from the Sunday 22nd July to Saturday 28th July. Each represented county did select 16 players to represent them in this year’s event.
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Nairobi, Nyanza, Western, Central and Rift Valley hosted their provincial final matches one week to the finals where they selected the best 16 players each, who were paraded at Mabaraki in a colourful ceremony. Highlights There were several attractions in run to the nationals with the focus on the Nyanza and Nairobi county finals. In Nyanza, the first match at the Kisii University Campus saw Nyanza North pick a moraleboosting 1-0 win over South Nyanza which set the tone for their subsequent domination of the boys’ encounters. Evans
Otieno scored the solitary goal for the North Nyanza team which had the lion’s share of possession in the first half but could not get a way past North’s defence, until Otieno grabbed the winner. The match started cagily with both teams content with sitting at the back and reading each other’s game. But it was North who were rather quick off the blocks thanks to their ball winning prowess. North nearly went ahead in the 10th minute courtesy of a freekick after South’s goalkeeper Abdulahi Abubakar had handled the ball outside his box. The lanky custodian was clearly relived to see Geoffrey Alwala’s well hit shot ascend to the skies. South got a rare chance to pull ahead six minutes later when Douglas Mokaya was put through on goal but his run was inches slower than North’s keeper who collected the ball, preventing South from taking a shock lead. Nyanza North’s Alwala was a constant pain in South’s defence. A minute after hitting the underside of the bar with a vicious shot, he was at the centre of North’s and the match’s only goal. The mean-looking winger-cumforward made a mazy run inside South’s penalty area leaving three defenders on his wake before slicing the ball to Otieno who simply tapped in to score what would prove to be the match’s
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only goal. North also won their second match of the day with the same score line against West, who beat South by a solitary goal in the other boys’ encounters. In the girls’ matches, Nyanza West’s Christine Mchelule and South’s Sophie Nyanthama were both on target as the teams drew 1-1. Mchelule put West ahead in the 10th minute but Nyanthama pulled South level three minutes later with a penalty. Nyanza South and North shared a barren draw as the latter lost 1-0 to West. In Western Provincial finals played at the Mumias Sports Complex, both the boys’ and girls’ teams from Western branch collected emphatic wins over their North Western rivals. Western thrashed Northwestern 4-1 in the boys’ match but the girls did even better with a 4-0 win. Mount Kenya and Nairobi Mount Kenya branch found Aberdare a tough climb as they were gunned down 5-1 in the boys’ match and 1-0 in the girls’ match during Central provincial finals played at Makuyu Boys. In Nairobi provincial finals, Nairobi East and West Boys were engaged in a six-goal thriller which ended 3-3. East however edged out the girl’s corresponding fixture 3-1. In Rift Valley finals, Rift Valley ‘B’ edged out both the boys’ and girls’ of Rift Valley ‘A’ 3-1 and 3-0 respectively. The finals By the end of the week long finals in Mombasa, 16 players from both categories were selected to play for the national junior team. Sixteen players picked from across the country made the cut in both boys’ and girls’ categories
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with Coast and Rift Valley players getting more slots in boys’ and girls’ categories respectively. The boys’ U17 national team will include goalkeepers Stephen Ogweno from Nyanza and Western’s Edwin Mukolwe who was named goalkeeper of tournament. The defence will comprise of James Mazembe (Rift Valley), Saddam Abdullahi (North Eastern), Christopher Orchum (Western) and Kevin Otieno from Nairobi. The midfield will include Coast quartet Ahmed Mahfudh, Eugene Moses, Omar Mwinyi and Mohamed Said supported by Nyanza’s Geoffrey Alwala, Rift Valley’s Ramadhan Abdulmalik, Castro Mwangi and Haroun Nyakha from Central and Western respectively. The girls’ team was dominated by national champions Rift Valley who had a player represented in goal, midfield and striking force. Rift Valley’s Metina Awinja who was also named the best goalkeeper in the tournament will be assisted by Nairobi’s Dorcas Kisugu. Faith Imai and Nekesa Wafula from Western made the cut to man the defence where they will be joined by Coast’s Winnie Achieng’ and Rift Valley duo Mercy Mutua and Abigael Cherotich. Nairobi’s Florence Awino and Diana Wachira will partner with Faith Musinzi (Western), Pauline Musungu (Rift), Mwanalima Adam
(Coast) and Eastern’s Naomi Njeri in midfield. R i f t Va l l e y t w i n s M i r i a m Chelagat and girls’ player of the tournament and top scorer Ruth Chebungei have been outstanding throughout the competition and their efforts will see them partner each other in attack with Chebungei the target man and Miriam on the right wing. Coast’s Linda Kahindi will support the two from the left wing. Ruth Chebungei Just at the age of 14, Ruth Chebungei is already a household name after winning this year’s Golden Boot Award. Chebungei, who represented Rift Valley, scored eight goals to not only emerge top scorer but best player in the tournament. Together with her twin sister Miriam, Ruth did terrorize defences in the one week event and helped Rift Valley lift the coveted trophy. This is the second time the two were participating in the tournament where they had a blast. Chebungei and the other 15 selected players will travel to South Africa this August for a twoweek international football camp. The tournament was a success and the 2013 edition promises more fireworks.
KENYANSTAR SEP / OCT 2012 27
RUGBY GOLF
DASANI GOLF GALA CIRCUIT The 2012 Dasani Golf Gala is taking a turn into the home stretch, thirteen out of the designated eighteen qualifying rounds have been played. Forty eight players from twelve teams have booked their slots in the Grand Finale on Saturday 29 September 2012 at the Karen Country Club in Nairobi. Michael Kwambo and the Kenyanstar Team followed all the rounds of the tournament to bring us the following report.
28 KENYANSTAR SEP JULY//OCT AUG2012 2012
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GOLF
First qualifying round; Kiambu Saturday 26 May 2012 Playing on their home course, the Kiambu Golf Club team of Timothy Kihara, Eliud Kuria, Newton Mwangi and Thomas Kimari posted a joint score of 111 points to win the opening round of the 2012 Dasani Golf Gala at the par 72 Kiambu Golf Club on Saturday 26 May 2012. This earned them qualification to the Grand Finale slated for Saturday 29 September 2012. Second qualifying round; Thika Saturday 2 June 2012 Home player Dr. Joseph Karanja, playing off handicap 10, posted 39 points, anchoring his side to top position with a combined score of 111 points. Karanja posted 20 points on the front nine, following this up with 19 points on the back nine. Andrew Muriuki, handicap 24, tallied 38 points, this coming off identical rounds of 19 on the front and back nines. Patrick Karanja’s 34 also came off identical 17 scores on the front and back nine. Andrew Kimani, playing off handicap 7 managed 33 points, posting 15 on the front nine and 18 on the back nine. Third qualifying round; Vet Lab Saturday 9 June 2012 Identical scores of 35 points each from Ochieng’ Abekah and the handicap twenty five Michael Kinuthia were key in steering their team to victory at the third qualifying round of the 2012 Dasani Golf Gala held at the par 71, nine hole Vet Lab Golf Club on Saturday 9 June 2012. Their teammates Sankale ole Kantai, playing off handicap fourteen and
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the handicap ten Martin Mukundi posted 32 points and 28 points respectively as their combined score of 102 points saw them emerge top of the pile. Fourth qualifying round; Windsor Saturday 16 June 2012 The quartet of Paresh Shah, C. V. Shah, Nishit Haria and Gohil posted a combined score of 122 points to claim first place at the Dasani Golf Gala’s fourth qualifying round held at the Windsor Golf and Country Club on Saturday 16 June 2012. Paresh, playing off handicap 17 posted 41 points, same as handicap 14 Gohil, while handicap 16 C.V Shah had 40 points and Haria playing off handicap 15 was the team’s weak link on 38 points. Haria’s score, however, turned to be decisive as it was the tie breaker against the second placed team.
Fifth qualifying round; Railways Saturday 23 June 2012 Home player James Mburu Muigai anchored his team to victory with a score of 110 points at the fifth round of the 2012 Dasani Golf Gala at the Railway Golf Club on Saturday 23 June 2012. The handicap six Muigai carded identical 20 stable ford points in both nines for a cumulative score of 40 points. Robert Maina, playing off handicap nine registered 35 points with handicap five Frank Kaniaru also carding 35 points. David Mbatia, playing off handicap four was the team’s weak link on 30 points. They booked one of the two slots to the September 29 Grand Finale that were up for grabs from this qualifying round. Sixth qualifying round; Nyali Saturday 30 June 2012
KENYANSTAR SEP / OCT 2012 29
GOLF
The ladies trio of Pia Swatton, Perviz Barnsley, Sumali Jayasinghe combined with Clive Barnsley to post a combined score of 111 points and emerge victorious at the par 71 Nyali Golf and Country Club. Swatton, handicap 26 and the Lady Captain at Nyali posted 39 points. Perviz Barnsley, playing off handicap 32, posted 37 points with handicap 20 Clive Barnsley, the only man on the team, posting 35 points. Jayasinghe, playing off handicap 35 was last on 32 points. Swatton, P.Barnsley and Jayasinghe became the first ladies to qualify for this year’s Grand Finale. Seventh qualifying round; Leisure, Diani Saturday 7 July 2012 Perhaps motivated by the Grand Prize to be awarded to the winning team at the Grand Finale, the all caddies foursome of Wilson Atuka, Charles Sire, Ronald
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Omariba and Pauni Gwerenya claimed first place at the seventh qualifying round played at the par 72 Leisure Golf Club. The handicap 11 Omariba posted 19 points on the front nine, following this up with 18 on the second nine for a team leading 37 stableford points as the caddies amassed a total of 98 points. The result guaranteed the team a slot at the Grand Finale. Wilson Atuka, playing off handicap 6, posted 31 points whilst Charles Sire, a handicap 3 player scored 31 points. Pauni Gwerenya, the handicap 24 player trailed at 27 points. Eighth qualifying round; Royal Nairobi Saturday 14 July 2012 Royal Nairobi Golf Club’s Lady Captain Sarah Hoare led her all ladies team to a count back win over second placed Jessica Kang’s team at the eighth qualifying round at the par 72 Royal Nairobi
Golf Gala. This round brought had an interesting twist where the top three, instead of the usual top two teams booked a ticket to Karen Country Club. Playing off handicap 10, Hoare contributed 38 stable-ford points to the winning team, which posted a cumulative score of 107 points. Other members of the team included handicap 18 Lucy Awiti (35 points), handicap seven Florence W Maina (34 points) and handicap 11 Anne Marie Vellecop (30points) came last. Ninth qualifying round; Nakuru Saturday 21 July 2012 T h r e e c l e r g y m e n , Fa t h e r Augustine Kipkemei, Father Paul Gitonga and Brother Francis Njoroge, and a lady, Miriam Wanjiku, posted one of the best scores to date as they emerged top at the ninth qualifying round at the par 73 Nakuru Golf Club. Kipkemei playing off handicap
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RUGBY 14, handicap 10 Gitonga, Njoroge playing off handicap 18 and handicap 24 Wanjiku posted a combined score of 119 points to qualify for the Grand Finale beating a field of 122 players. Kipkemei anchored the team with an impressive score of 43 points, while Njoroge contributed 39 points and Gitonga had 37 points. Wanjiku managed 30 points. Tenth qualifying round; Karen Country Club Saturday 28 July 2012 The tenth qualifying round was a taste of the Grand Finale course at Karen Country Club where over 180 golfers took part. The closely contested qualifier saw the team of John Musunga, Lawrence Kiambi, F.G.Kariuki and David Kiambi clinch first position with 107 points to qualify. Musunga, a handicap eight player, anchored his team with 39 points, while handicap 14 David Kiambi contributed 34 points and the handicap seven F. G. Kariuki amassed 34 points as the team accrued a team score of 107 points to rule the roost. Lawrence Kiambi playing off handicap 14 bagged 32 points for the team. Eleventh and Twelfth qualifying rounds; Nyeri and Sigona Saturday 4 August 2012 Sixteen more players earned their tickets to the Dasani Golf Gala’s Grand Finale following the event’s double header played at the nine hole Nyeri Golf Club and the par 72 Sigona Golf Club. Nyeri This event featuring players from home club Nyeri, Nyahururu and Nanyuki saw Club captain Eddy Karumwa team up with Benjamin Inoti, James Mathenge and Daniel
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Weru to book the first qualifying berth, with a combined score of 106 points. The handicap 12 Mathenge anchored the team with 40 points, while Inoti, a handicap 15 player posted 35 points. Karumwa, handicap 14, amassed 31 points while Weru posted 30 points. Sigona The handicap 19 Rachna Patel anchored his team to victory, after posting 44 points, Deep Shah and Shamil Patel registered 34 points each. Haren Patel on 27 points added to the team score to make it 112 points. Thirteenth qualifying round; Eldoret Saturday 11 August 2012 The Nandi Bears quartet of Mathew Kioko, James Siahi, Simeon Kurgat and Rael Kurgat posted 108 points, emerging top of the pile at the 13th qualifying round at the par 71 Eldoret Golf Club. The handicap 24 Kioko topped the winners with an impressive score of 46 points, one of the highest scores registered in this
year’s gala, while handicap 22 Simeon Kurgat and Rael Kurgat contributed 31 points apiece while handicap 9 Siahi was disqualified. There are five qualifying rounds left to complete a successful golf circuit. The winning team at the Grand Finale will win an all expenses paid for tour to Dubai to attend the Grand Finale of the European To u r - t h e D P Wo r l d To u r Championships at the Jumeirah Golf Estates. While in Dubai, they will also have the opportunity to watch Europe’s top 60 money earners on the 2012 Order of Merit compete for the 1.3 million Euros winner’s cheque. In addition, they will have the opportunity to sample some of the best golf courses in the region, including the Dubai Creek Course and the challenging Faldo Course at the Emirates Golf Club, a course designed by former world number 1 and six-time major Champion Sir Nick Faldo. Our next issue will bring you a detailed report of how the golfers faired at Karen Country Club.
KENYANSTAR SEP / OCT 2012 31
MOVERS & SHAKERS
KIPCHOGE ‘KIP’ KEINO Kipchoge Keino has been the face of Kenyan Olympic worldwide. The second man to receive the ‘freedom to Bristol City’ award in the UK, the first was Winston Churchill. He is truly a legend, mover and a shaker, Michael Kwambo went looking for what ‘Kip’ the trail blazer is made of.
The beginnings Keino was born in Kipsamo, Nandi District, Kenya. Both of his parents died while he was young. His name, Kipchoge, is a Nandi language expression for “born near the granary.” He has truly had a good harvest in life to store. He was then brought up by his aunt. After finishing school, he joined Kenya Police where he took up athletics, and played rugby too.
K
ipchoge (“Kip”) Keino was born on 17 January 1940; he is the current chairman of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK), and a retired track and field athlete and two-time Olympic gold medalist. Kip Keino was among the first in a long line of successful middle and
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long distance runners to come from Kenya. He has inspired many other Kenyans to take up athletics which has made us the athletics force we are today. Earlier this year, he was of one of 24 athletes inducted as inaugural members of the International Association of Athletics Federations Hall Of Fame.
On the tracks He began his international career at the 1962 Commonwealth Games in Perth, Australia where he came eleventh in the three miles. At the 1964 Summer Olympics he finished fifth in 5000 m and barely missed the 1500 m final. On 27 August 1965, Keino lowered the 3000 m world record by over 6 seconds to 7:39.6 at his first attempt at the distance. He won two gold medals (1500 & 5000 metres) at the inaugural All-Africa Games. Later in that year he broke the 5000 m world record held by Ron Clarke clocking 13:24.2. At the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica he won both the mile run and three mile run. In the next Commonwealth Games, he took gold in 1500 metres and a bronze in 5000 metres. At the 1968 Summer Olympics
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MOVERS & SHAKERS
in Mexico City, he won the 1500 metres gold medal (defeating American favourite and world record holder Jim Ryun by 20m, the largest winning margin in the history of the event.) He spiced that with a 5000 m silver medal. Four years late at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, he started what has come to be known as ‘Kenyan Affair’ by winning the 3000 metres steeplechase gold. In his characteristics, he gave the gold medal company with a 1500 metres silver medal. He retired in 1973. In 1987, he s hare d Spor ts Illustrated magazine’s “Sportsmen and Sportswomen of the Year” award with seven others, characterized as “Athletes Who Care,” for his work with orphans. Currently, Keino lives on a farm in Western Kenya where he controls and runs a charitable organization for orphans. He is married to Phyllis Keino. One son Martin was a two-time NCAA champion and highly successful pace-setter. He has built Kip Keino Primary School located near Eldoret, while Kip Keino Secondary School opened in 2009; the International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge was present at the opening ceremony. Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret is named after him. In 1996, he was inducted into the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame. In 2007, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Law degree by the University of Bristol. This followed another honorary degree from Egerton University, Nakuru. In July 2012 he received further
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recognition from the City of Bristol after the National Olympic Committee of Kenya, under his presidency, made Bristol the training base for its athletes in preparation for the London 2012 Olympics. The Bristol City Council awarded him freedom of the City, making him the first to receive this honour from Bristol since Sir Winston Churchill. Olympic Committees He has been Chairman of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) since 1999. The National Olympic Committee is a national constituent of the International Olympic movement. Subject to the controls of the International Olympic Committee, NOCs are responsible for organizing their country’s (or regions) participation in the Olympic Games. They may nominate cities within their respective areas as candidates for future Olympic Games. NOCs also promote the
development of athletes and training of coaches and officials at a national level within their regions. With a vast majority of Kenyan sports federations affiliated to the NOCK, which facilitates their participation in the Olympic and other affiliated action, Kip Keino is truly one of the prime movers and shakers of Kenyan sport.
KENYANSTAR SEP / OCT 2012 33
PICTORIAL
A smile for the Trophy
A toast for the champions
A real Omera
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I told you we will win this.......
Tumeblunder joh!
Top 8 beauties or Top 6 beauties?
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PICTORIAL
True Legend Tegla and Kadenge
Eid Mubarak my friend!
Obama well represented here
Aarrrrg! What a miss!
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I’m still loyal... utado?
KENYANSTAR SEP / OCT 2012 35
CHESS
KNOW YOUR GAME;
CHESS
One of the most wonderful things about chess is that you can play as challenging a game with an eight-year-old child, as you can with an 80 year old senior citizen. Gregory Mulemi brings us the A-B-C of Chess that will leave you looking for a Chess Board.
I
n Kenya, not many people know about this beautiful game that many have perceived to be a game for a selected few. Just like any other sport, there are rules to the game but before that, it is important to know the basics of this game that is as old as human kind. History of Chess The origins of chess are not exactly clear, though most believe it evolved from earlier chess-like games played in India almost two thousand years ago. The Goal of Chess Chess is a game played between
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two opponents on opposite sides of a board containing 64 squares of alternating colours. Each player has 16 pieces: 1 king, 1 queen, 2 rooks, 2 bishops, 2 knights, and 8 pawns. The goal of the game is to checkmate the other king. Checkmate happens when the king is in a position to be captured (in check) and cannot escape from capture. Starting a Game of chase At the beginning of the game the chessboard is laid out so that each player has the white (or light) colour square in the bottom righthand side. The chess pieces are then arranged the same way each
time. The second row (or rank) is filled with pawns. The rooks go in the corners, then the knights next to them, followed by the bishops, and finally the queen, who always goes on her own matching colour (white queen on white, black queen on black), and the king on the remaining square. The player with the white pieces always moves first. Therefore, players generally decide who will get to be white by chance or luck such as flipping a coin or having one player guess the colour of the hidden pawn in the other player’s hand. White then makes a move, followed by black, and so on until the end of the game.
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CHESS
colour. Bishops work well together because they cover up each other’s weaknesses. The Knight Knights move in a very different way from the other pieces – going two squares in one direction, and then one more move at a 90 degree angle, just like the shape of an “L”. Knights are also the only pieces that can move over other pieces.
How the Chess Pieces Move Each of the 6 different kinds of pieces moves differently. Pieces cannot move through other pieces (though the knight can jump over other pieces), and can never move onto a square with one of their own pieces. However, they can be moved to take the place of an opponent’s piece which is then captured. Pieces are generally moved into positions where they can capture other pieces (by landing on their square and then replacing them), defend their own pieces in case of capture, or control important squares in the game. Basic terms used in Chess/ pieces The King The king is the most important piece, but is one of the weakest. The king can only move one square in any direction - up, down, to the sides, and diagonally. The king
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may never move himself into check (where he could be captured). The Queen The queen is the most powerful piece. If moved she can move in any one straight direction - forward, backward, sideways, or diagonally - as far as possible as long as she does not move through any of her own pieces. And, like with all pieces, if the queen captures an opponent’s piece her move is over. The Rook The rook may move as far as it wants, but only forward, backward, and to the sides. The rooks are particularly powerful pieces when they are protecting each other and working together! The Bishop The bishop may move as far as it wants, but only diagonally. Each bishop starts on one colour (light or dark) and must always stay on that
The Pawn Pawns are unusual because they move and capture in different ways; they move forward, but capture diagonally. Pawns can only move forward one square at a time, except for their very first move where they can move forward two squares. Pawns can only capture one square diagonally in front of them. They can never move or capture backwards. If there is another piece directly in front of a pawn he cannot move past or capture that piece. Promotion Pawns have another special ability and that is that if a pawn reaches the other side of the board it can become any other chess piece (called promotion). A pawn may be promoted to any piece. A pawn is usually promoted to a queen. Only pawns may be promoted. En Passant The last rule about pawns is called “en passant,” which is French for “in passing.” If a pawn moves out two squares on its first move, and by doing so lands to the side of an opponent’s pawn (effectively jumping past the other pawn’s ability to capture it), that other pawn has the option of capturing the first pawn as it passes by.
KENYANSTAR SEP / OCT 2012 37
CHESS This special move must be done immediately after the first pawn has moved past; otherwise the option to capture it is no longer available. Castling One other special rule is called castling. This move allows you to do two important things all in one move, get your king to safety (hopefully), and get your rook out of the corner and into the game. On a player’s turn he may move his king two squares over to one side and then move the rook from that side’s corner to right next to the king on the opposite side. In order to castle, however, it must meet the following conditions: • it must be that king’s very first move • it must be that rook’s very first move • there cannot be any pieces between the king and rook to move • the king may not be in check or pass through check Check and Checkmate As stated before, the purpose of the game is to checkmate the opponent’s king. This happens when the king is put into check and cannot get out of check. There are only three ways a king can get out of check: move out of the way (though he cannot castle!), block the check with another piece, or capture the piece threatening the king. If a king cannot escape checkmate then the game is over. Customarily the king is not captured or removed from the board, the game is simply declared over. Draws Occasionally chess games end in a draw. There are 5 reasons why a chess game may end in a draw: • T h e p o s i t i o n r e a c h e s a stalemate where it is one
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HOCKEY
• •
•
•
player’s turn to move, but his king is NOT in check and yet he does not have another legal move The players may simply agree to a draw and stop playing There are not enough pieces on the board to force a checkmate (example: a king and a bishop vs. a king) A player declares a draw if the same exact position is repeated three times (though not necessarily three times in a row) Fifty consecutive moves have been played where neither player has moved a pawn or captured a piece.
Tournament Rules Many tournaments follow a set of common, similar rules. These rules do not necessarily apply to play at home or online. Touch-move If a player touches one of their own pieces they must move that piece as long as it is a legal move. If a player touches an opponent’s piece, they must capture that piece. A player who wishes to touch a piece only to adjust it on the board must first announce the intention, usually by saying “adjust”. Introduction to Clocks and Timers Most tournaments use timers to regulate the time spent on each game, not on each move. Each player gets the same amount of time to use for their entire game
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and can decide how to spend that time. Once a player makes a move they then touch a button or hit a lever to start the opponent’s clock. If a player runs out of time and the opponent calls the time, then the player who ran out of time loses the game (unless the opponent does not have enough pieces to checkmate, in which case it is a draw). Basic Strategies to use when playing chess There are four simple things that every chess player should know: 1. Protect your king Get your king to the corner of the board where he is usually safer. Don’t put off castling. You should usually castle as quickly as possible. Remember, it doesn’t matter how close you are to checkmating your opponent if your own king is checkmated first! 2. Don’t give pieces away Just like any other game don’t carelessly lose your pieces! Each piece is valuable and you can’t win a game without pieces to checkmate. There is an easy system that most players use to keep track of the relative value of each chess piece: • A pawn is worth 1 • A knight is worth 3 • A bishop is worth 3 • A rook is worth 5 • A queen is worth 9 • The king is infinitely valuable At the end of the game these points don’t mean anything – it is simply a system you can use to make decisions while playing, helping you know when to capture, exchange,
or make other moves. 3. Control the centre You should try and control the centre of the board with your pieces and pawns. If you control the centre, you will have more room to move your pieces and will make it harder for your opponent to find good squares for his pieces. 4. Use all of your pieces Your pieces are of no good when they sit back on the first row. Try and develop all your pieces so that you have more to use when you attack the king. Using one or two pieces to attack will not work against any decent opponent. Getting Better at Chess Knowing the rules and basic strategies is only the beginning there is so much to learn in chess that you can never learn it all in a lifetime! To improve you need to do three things: 1 – Play Just keep playing! Play as much as possible. You should learn from each game – those you win and those you lose. 2 – Study If you really want to improve quickly then pick up a chess book. There are also many resources on Chess. com to help you study and improve. 3 -Have fun Don’t get discouraged if you don’t win all of your games right away. Everyone loses – even world champions. As long as you continue to have fun and learn from the games you lose then you can enjoy chess forever! More info on www.chess.com
KENYANSTAR SEP / OCT 2012 39
BOXING
AFRICA HOCKEY PERFORMANCE -
LONDON 2012
Olympics is a ‘sports buffet’ where one can never miss a sport to quench his ‘appetite.’ As Kenyans followed the action on the athletics track, James Oluoch had his focus on hockey at the Riverbank Arena and he brings us his view of how African teams performed.
T
he Olympics torch has been put off, matches were played, medals won and lost, athletes have left so London 2012 is over, and now the sunshine of Rio de Janeiro beckons.
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Hockey powerhouse Germany ran away with the men’s gold while Netherlands snatched the ladies’ gold. Germany barely scraped into the semi finals against the hot favorites Australia whom they beat convincingly 4-2 and never looked
back. They learnt from their early mistakes and remedied them in time to win the coveted gold. How about the African representatives, how did they fare in London? Africa was represented by South Africa in both men and women and let’s remember both teams had to qualify twice when the International Hockey Federation decided that their earlier qualifications were way to easy against weak African teams. They proved their worth winning tournaments in India (women) and Japan (men.)South Africa men’s team was grouped with Australia who scored six past them without reply in the first game before they knew what hit them. They improved with every game holding a very
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HOCKEY
South African Hockey Team at the Olympics
good GB team to a two all draw before narrowly losing to Spain 3-2. Their next game was a thriller against Pakistan where they led three times but ended up on the wrong end losing 5-4. Argentina then humbled them 6-3 again after leading 2-0 to banish them to the bottom of their group. This meant they had to meet an equally woeful Indian team to decide who is to avoid the wooden spoon and here SA played one of their best games humbling India 3-2 to finish in position 11 out of twelve. The ladies started with a huge 7-0 loss against early gold medal
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favourites Argentina and didn’t quite recover despite a shock 7- 1 win against an experienced team USA. There were further loses to New Zealand 4-1, they went down 2-1 to Germany, and a narrow 1-0 loss to Australia. The girl’s last game was a 2-1 loss to Japan to wind up position 10 out of twelve. Both African teams gave a good account of themselves and learnt some valuable lessons which they can build on. They showed they could live comfortably with the best teams in the world. The men lost some matches due to errors that the opposition capitalized on. With a bit
more games against the top teams, SA can be a force to reckon with in world hockey. Sadly the rest of Africa is lagging behind and South Africa had to prove their worth in other tournaments after the African qualifiers. Teams like Kenya (a former hockey giant) realistically stand no chance of qualifying for the Olympics again anytime soon. The Kenya Hockey Union needs to formulate an 8-10 year plan that is viable and sustainable with the aim of getting us back into the fold. As it stands now, the top teams are just way out of our league. Preparations for Rio 2016 in Brazil must start NOW if we are to make any headway. Congratulations South Africa for a credible performance in London 2012.
KENYANSTAR SEP / OCT 2012 41
OPINION SPOTLIGHT
THE POWERHOUSE; ST. ANTHONY’S SCHOOL- KITALE
T
here has been a constant shift in secondary school’s games in the past few years. New schools have emerged to upset the old order. One such school is St. Anthony’s of Kitale, Sammy Lutta takes us to the slopes of Mt. Elgon to bring us this story. The tide is shifting towards St. Anthony’s Kitale as a secondary schools sports powerhouse. The school bagged two national trophies this year; in hockey and soccer. The reigning national champions after defeating Upper Hills of Nairobi 2-0 in the finals at Shanzu Teachers College, Mombasa, have now won the title four times. According to their director of coaches Moses Kabengwa, they are in the best position to bring back the East and Central trophy that Kenya last won a decade ago.
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“We are the first Kenyan School to ever lift the ‘East African Cup’ in 2003 and our target since we started our campaign at zonal level was to reclaim our lost glory.” said Kabengwa. The victory was sealed by celebration rocked by thousands of diehard fans in Kitale after the squad arrived from Mombasa. Just as a tradition area MP and Minister for Justice Hon. Eugene Wa m a l wa w i t h h i s Kwa n z a counterpart Dr. Noah Wekesa were present to receive the trophy. Making his remarks, Hon Wamalwa promised to direct financial resources to the school to facilitate its achievement and success in sports. Home fans who didn’t manage to travel to Mombasa were treated to a live final match on DSTV
channel Supersport which gave them a chance to watch their team win the trophy. AFC Leopards eyes two Solidarity Boys key players include Kenya’s under 20 striker Meshack Karani and striker Godiah Mukolwe both eyed by AFC Leopards played a crucial role. With over 30 players in the current Kenyan Premier League arena, the school continues to churn out quality talent. Western Stima’s midfielder Ali Bai is proud to be a product of St. Anthony and says that most of the players pursue soccer as a profession after school. Some of the players include 2011 Kenya’s best Midfielder Kevin Kimani, Mukaisi Dennis- Tusker FC and Edwin Barasa- AFC Leopards. Ali puts discipline and good technical training as the secret
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behind the success of the school. He is sure winning this year’s national trophy in a tense national final against Upper Hill the boys is a good motivation to reclaim the East African trophy. East African Hockey Champions Meanwhile, coached by Deputy Principal Joseph Makangulu, the defending East African school champions will now be seeking a fourth title as they head to Burundi on Monday. The team which has 33 players, has bragged as provincial champions four times(2008,2010,2011,2012) and national champs 3 times(2009,2011,2012). Most of the (students) players have won scholarship to join Masinde Muliro University, United State International University and Strathmore University. The hockey team has produced Michael Toroitich, Gabriel Teimuge, Ken Sibwech, Constant Wakhura, Bill Olang and Hillary Soita all in the Kenya’s Under 20 team. Upcoming superstars who include Captain Polycarp Otieno, striker Robert Masibo, sports captain Caleb Simiyu are yearning to stun their opponents. The school administration provides necessary facilities to sportsmen and always facilitates a team that organizes for friendly or build up matches. Marcellus Imbutsi says determined students have an easy time developing their talents and added that variety of games in school give them easy way to achieve their dreams. PTA chairman Mr. Moses Kabengwa, who has been director of coaches for over 10 years, suggests that the school must be made a talent
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center. “I believe we have what it takes; we have produced many talents which is evident. We believe losers walk past the trophy while winners lift it.” he added. Players are also motivated when they are awarded with certificates and scholarships to further their education and their sports career. Tennis sensational Daniel Nyakora, a former student, who scored an A with 84 points in 2009, got a scholarship to study Actuarial science n the University of Pennsylvania (USA). A big blow Despite the schools producing enough talented players, the region has no organized sports structure and teams. The famous Kitale FC died 10 years ago due to financial constraints. “We have overcome the challenges to put players’ prosperity as our chief mandate as school games continues being a crowd puller in the region.” He adds that they don’t only nurture their talents when they are still in school, but they usually follow up to promote them even after they have completed school. M r. K i s i a n g a n i , E n g l i s h a n d Literature teacher says that in his capacity as a soccer team manager, he is satisfied when a player joins a premier league team. The team manager strongly asserts that the school always banks on their experience, good sports facilities and sound advice from a focused and disciplined technical bench to spruce up their skills. Solidarity Boys invite experienced teams for build up matches as the region has no team in division one. Nzoia FC is the only next-door team in a national league to invite for a constructive friendly.
Exit Provincial Games A big blow to most schools comes when provincial games are phased out for inter- county games next year. This will be tougher as giants will be meeting early in the games. Trans Nzoia, Kakamega, Bungoma, Vihiga, Busia, West Pokot and Turkana will form the Nzoia region but only one team will proceed to the nationals. “I can’ t imagine the turnout at a Solidarity Boys and Green Commandos match where only one team must proceed to national games!” said Kisiangani enthusiastically. Mr. Kisiangani urges stakeholders to revise this and make it two teams to national level as students get more motivated when they get an opportunity to participate at this high profile tournament. The team’s technical bench is made up Cosmos NabungoloPrincipal, PTA Chairman Moses Kabengwa- Director of Coaches, Yohana Wanyama- Team Trainer, Ralph Nahando- Patron, Martin Kisyangani- Sports Director and Team Manager.
KENYANSTAR SEP / OCT 2012 43
OPINION
UPPER HILL HIGH SCHOOL -The Fairy Tale Samson Ochieng’ Abuya is a teacher with a magic touch, every school he is posted to the football fortunes change for the better. He is now at Upperhill High School, writes Gregory Mulemi.
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n March this year at the battle of academies held at the Nairobi City Stadium a relatively unknown school in terms of football won a talent show that was later dubbed the National Youth Talent Academy (NYTA). Upper Hill High School has risen from obscurity to fame in the recent past culminating at this year’s KSSSA National Schools games where they finished second. They lost 2-0 to St Anthony’s SchoolKitale but qualified for the regional championship set for Burundi later on in August. The long journey started with
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the school winning the NYTA championships before embarking on attempting to lift the prestigious KSSSA crown that had been a reserve of seasoned teams like St. Anthony’s Kitale, Kakamega’s Green Commandos, Ofafa Jericho and Gekomoni from Nyanza. A visit to the school reveals to us how hardworking Samson Ochieng Abuya is. The tactician has transformed the school into a solid outfit that has gone against all odds and reached the nationals and the finals on the first attempt. Ochieng who is a former AFC Leopards coach says he is more than happy
to do what he loves with players who understand his kind of play. “I am happy for my boys because they won the hearts of many by reaching the football finals in their first attempt.” “As a coach, you should know what is required and how to do it. When I came to Upper Hill, I had one mission in mind, steer the boys to glory, they did so in style. When we played St Anthony, I was happy because we were facing a side that has participated in the national ballgames for close to 20 years.” ‘When the boys took to the pitch, they had one thing in mind-to winas a coach you give 25% while the players are expected to deliver 75% and I know this kids very well, and they did not let me down.’ The gaffer has vast experience in coaching starting from Kamukunji back in 1992 to date. Upper Hill had never won any major title in soccer but through the guidance of Ochieng, they have taken the big stage by storm. The driving force behind Upper Hill success Captain Calvin Otieno Odongo. Born 16 years ago, the attacking midfielder is one of the hottest property now when it comes to upcoming talent. The form four
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SPOTLIGHT
student played a pivotal role in ensuring that the debutants reached their first ever finals at the KSSSA games. Born to Vitalis Odongo a former footballer, Otieno started playing soccer in 2001 and has grown to become one of the best midfielders of his age. Otieno was the top scorer during the national secondary ballgames that ended in Mombasa recently and this has underlined his credentials as a captain and team player. ‘It is my father who motivated and encouraged me to play football. I always wanted to play like him because I hear a lot of great stories of him during his playing days.’ Winning in Mombasa was not going to be easy but Otieno says that the underdogs tag his team was given did release some pressure from them as they went on to reach the finals. “When we went to Mombasa, we knew that it was not going to be easy for us, we trained even in the rain. When the games kicked off, it is when teams realised the Upperhill mountain was so steep to climb.” Despite losing to St Anthony Kitale Day, the captain says that the only opposition he and his team felt was that of Kakamega High School
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whom they beat 1-0 in the semi finals; Timothy Luda scored the only goal. He attributes team work to the team’s success. As the captain he concedes that sometimes he felt overwhelmed by the responsibility. He adds that they are ready for the East African games where they plan to approach it a match at a time. Otieno has visited the Netherland, Norway, Tanzania and Ghana in his illustrious career. His midfield prowess has attracted many scouts and he hopes to land a big deal after high school just like his role model Humphrey Mieno of Sofapaka and Xavi Hernandes of FC Barcelona. Apart from Otieno, three more players have been selected to go to camp in the Airtel rising stars. Striker Michael Olunga , defender Martin Werunga together with Calvin will be attending the Airtel Rising Stars camp. With their signatures becoming a hot cake, two more players seemed to have caught the eyes of AFC Leopards coach Jan Koops. The Dutchman has invited Strikers Timothy Luda and Michael Olunga for trials at the club and this is just what coach Ochieng is rooting for. “It was hard for coaches to come and see players play at this level but after realizing how important this championships are, the likes of Coach Koops coming to watch them play gave them motivation to perform.” Says the former Kamukunji and Lang’ata High Schools’ coach.
Who is this man? Samson Ochieng Abuga was born 55 years ago and has been a coach since 1992. His vast experience in handling high school students has enabled him produce some of the finest talents in Kenyan football. “I started coaching in 1992 at Kamukunji where I spent 13 years. I won the national title with them in 2002 and this is what I am doing here, trying to help the kids win the title.” He won the national title with Langata in 2009 in Mombasa, making his talk of Upperhill winning it to be just a matter of when. Mariga, Oliech, Oboya and Mugubi “I have coached Denis Oliech, Patrick Oboya, Macdonald Mariga, Victor Mugabe and many other players. Generally, I have coached around 16 players who are in the current Harambee Stars squad so I have nothing to hide but to appreciate what I have been able to achieve.” “I really don’t like the way the selection of the national junior team is done. If we were to take Upper Hill boys to play against the so called U17 at City Stadium, you will see the difference.” According to him, biasness and unfair selection is killing football. He believes that for fairness the selection panel should engage coaches like him who know these players in the selection. “Most of the boys will be going outside the country for the first time. With all due respect, we don’t fear any side not even St Anthony or St Mary’s Kitende School; we will be aiming for nothing but the title.” The East Africa Secondary School Ball games will be held in Burundi and Upper Hill hopes that the magic touch will stick with them during the one week tournament.
KENYANSTAR SEP / OCT 2012 45
SPOTLIGHT
BROOKHOUSE SCHOOL NURTURING SPORTS TALENT Schools are very important for developing the talent of children beyond academics. Most sports personalities owe it to a school or a teacher for nurturing them at a young age. Anthony Ongoma looks at Brookhouse School, which is situated along Magadi Road, behind Galleria Shopping Mall, which aims bring out the best in sporting talent in students.
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ike other international schools in Kenya, sport is an integral part the B ro o k h o u s e S c h o o l ethos. However, Brookhouse also offers free training facilities for the high flying Kenya National Rugby Sevens team. This helps the young minds
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at Brookhouse to visualize how far sports can take you and offers the children a chance to interact and train with the team. A visit to the school’s website gives you a glimpse of the important place sports has in the school: “Sport is an integral feature of life
at Brookhouse. The aim of our sporting programme is to allow pupils to experience a range of physical activities and for them to develop an understanding of the value of physical recreation in terms of mental, physical and social well being. We endeavour to ensure that students enjoy physical activity and that they can compete healthily in many areas of individual and team competition. Key to our approach is that students are taught the importance of good sportsmanship; how to win with humility and how to lose gracefully. The main sporting activities at
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SPOTLIGHT
Netball. The external competitions at secondary level are organized by the Association of International Schools of Kenya (AISK), a sporting organization which currently has 25 member schools. This year Brookhouse entered their Rugby team for the first time in Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) and won Bowl at the provincial level in Nairobi. Below is a brief look at the school’s performance in AISK games and various tournaments in 2012 • F i n a l i s t s i n U - 9 R u g b y tournament • Semi-finalists in the U-13 Ndume Rugby sevens • Winners of the Brookhouse U19 10-a-side Rugby tournament • Runners up at the Braeburn Garden Estate U19 Rugby 7’s tournament • Winners in the girls U-16 Football, Brookhouse tournament • Plate winners in the girl’s Netball U-15, Turi tournament • Champions U-17 AISK Girls Basketball league • Champions U-19 boys, Hillcrest Basketball tournament • R u n n e r s u p U - 1 9 g i r l s , Brookhouse Netball tournament • Plate winners in U-15 boys rugby in Turi
Brookhouse spread across the three terms include athletics, basketball, cross-country, soccer, netball, rounders, field hockey, rugby and swimming. The school competes at Under 9, Under 11, Under 13, Under 15, Under 17 and Under 19 levels across a full calendar of sporting fixtures against other schools within Kenya. There are also Inter-House competitions in cross-country, athletics, basketball,
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rounders, soccer, netball, rugby and swimming. In addition, our extensive fitness centre allows opportunities for general fitness in the gym, aerobics sessions and weights training.” - Brookhouse website Brookhouse School students play and compete in: Cricket, Rounders, Cross country & Athletics, Football, Basketball, Hockey, Rugby and
People Chris Roberts - Head of Sports Chris Roberts is the man in charge of sports at Brookhouse School. Chris, a keen cyclist, has been at Brookhouse for the last four years and is confident Brookhouse will soon be a sports powerhouse in Kenya. The Kenya National Sevens team use Brookhouse as their main training base, “As part of our contribution to Kenyan sports we do offer training facilities to the
KENYANSTAR SEP / OCT 2012 47
SPOTLIGHT
Kenya Sevens Rugby team. We are a very loyal sponsor to Kenya Rugby Union” he says. This partnership came about some seven years ago through the Brookhouse Director of Studies Mr Andrew Kimwele who is a former Kenyan rugby international. Chris adds that Brookhouse is interested in taking part in KSSSA ball games but the differences in school years calendar is a major hindrance. Kubirai Matongo - Rugby captain Kumbirai, who has played for the Kenya Cup side, Homeboyz RFC, at only 17 years comes across as the senior sports personality in the school. He started playing Rugby at a tender age of 11 years and harbors dreams of playing for the
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Zimbabwe national team in three years. According to him, Peponi School is their school’s biggest rivals. He believes that for rugby to come of age in Kenya the administration has to be improved and put more focus towards developing rugby at the grassroots. “We need to get more and more fresh talent. If we don’t go back to the grassroots we risk using same players who might have been good in the past but cannot cope with the modern game.” He is currently studying for his IRB Ruby Coaching Level 2 award and hopes to coach at Brookhouse in the years to come. Mendi Mwangi - Netball captain Her father is a member of the
National Olympics Committee, and Mendi has grown up with sports in the background her whole life. She has a great personality and is a natural leader. “I’ve been playing netball since my days at Msongari before I came to Brookhouse and I look forward to the netball season every year.” Mendi’s playing ability has won the recognition of netball officials over the last two years and she has won recognition for her ability in many out of school tournaments. She attributes hard work and discipline to her success. She is full of praise for the Kenya Netball association. Mendi thinks that the sport is not so popular in Kenya but the Association is on top of their game in the way it is managed. Mendi thinks the Kenyan Government needs to invest more in sports. “Our government needs to up their game. In countries like UK there are better sports facilities than in Kenya” she says. Mendi is a keen football fan and looks forward to the day when Kenya will have a successful women’s football league. She dreams of representing Kenya at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. Watch out for this girl! Upcoming sporting events where you can catch brookhouse and her competitors in action; 15th September; Rosslyn tournament for the U-19 Boys football 29th September; ISK tournament for the U-19 Boys football Greensteds Cricket 1st October; Brookhouse Athletics 6th October; ISK athletics St. Andrews cross country 30th October; Braeburn Athletics 31st October; Nairobi Academy Cricket
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KENYANSTAR SEP / OCT 2012 49
RUGBY
SCRUM DOWN RUGBY ROUNDUP Our man at the Rugby touchline Michael Kwambo talked to the people behind Kenyan Rugby and brought us this report. Safaricom Sevens The 17th edition of the Safaricom Sevens, Africa’s premier sevens rugby tournament was officially launched on Monday 6 August 2012 in Nairobi. A star studded Samurai side comprising 6 All Blacks Sevens players and the Fijian captain, are among those expected at this year’s event which will take place between the 21st and 23rd of September at the spacious and better equipped Nyayo National Stadium.
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So far, ten teams have confirmed their participation in the Safaricom 7s: Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Uganda, South Africa Sevens Academy (Emerging Boks), Shujaa, Grenoble, British Army and Samurai. In 2 0 1 0 , l e a d i n g i n t e g ra t e d communications provider, Safaricom Limited entered into a 3 year deal worth Ksh. 30.2M to become the prestigious tournament’s title sponsors.
“As one of Africa’s premier Sevens tournament, the Safaricom Sevens is on every rugby fan’s diary as a must attend event. As title sponsors, we are working closely with Kenya Rugby Union to raise the standards of this event so that we can finally realise the dream of being incorporated into the IRB circuit,” said Nzioka Waita, head of Corporate Affairs at Safaricom. “We are therefore calling on the government to support this tournament because incorporation into the IRB circuit would boost Kenya’s Sports Tourism drive,” he added. The organisers of the 17th Edition of the premier rugby tournament have stated that the decision to
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RUGBY
return the tournament to Nyayo stadium was informed by positive feedback from rugby fans. The venue has been hailed for its enhanced seating capacity, easy accessibility, and enhanced security. In addition, tournament organisers are in talks with rugby legend and former New Zealand great, Jonah Lomu to grace the event as the guest of honour. “In the time that this tournament has been in existence, we have seen the Safaricom Sevens grow in leaps and bounds. Our ultimate goal is to get admission into the IRB series while at the same time ensuring that our fans have a great experience,” said Mwangi Muthee, KRU chairman. “This year’s tournament will also provide fans with the chance to see a revamped Kenyan national team begin the quest for glory ahead of the 2012-2013 international sevens season, whose highlight will be the Rugby World Cup Sevens to be held in Russia,” added Mr. Muthee. In keeping with tradition, tournament organizers have also scheduled subsidiary tournaments for schools, women and community rugby which is in line with Safaricom’s and KRU’s vision of spreading the game to a wider populace. Kenya gets new Sevens team Head Coach The Kenya Rugby Union on Friday 3 August 2012 formally presented Mike Friday as the new Kenya Sevens Head Coach. Friday, 40, joins the team on a two year contract. Also formally presented was Chris Brown, who like Friday, is with the team on a two year contract. Speaking during a press briefing at the Kasarani Sports Complex, the venue of the squad’s training camp,
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K.R.U Chairman Mwangi Muthee said, “Mike and Chris, are here to improve the performance of the Kenya Sevens team.” “We are heading into the 2012/2013 international season, which is very important for the team. This season marks the start of promotion and relegation from the HSBC Sevens World Series, and we also have the RWC Sevens taking place in Russia.” “Rugby is now an Olympic sport and teams such as the USA, Russia, Spain, Japan, Portugal and Zimbabwe are either fully professional or semi professional. The K.R.U is leaving nothing to chance to ensure that the team performs to optimum levels. Let us show solidarity with the team, and support them in their endeavors.” emphasized Muthee. Friday said, “I have always admired Kenya from afar. This is a wonderful opportunity for me to guide Kenya towards realizing its full potential. We have a clear vision and focus of where we want to be.” Georgina Ndawa, representing the team sponsors Kenya Airways, welcomed the new coach, wishing him all the best and assured him of her organization’s support for
the duration of his engagement with the team. Fifteens Kenya fail to defend African title, finish third at C.A.R Cup Division 1A Championships The Kenya fifteens national team headed into the 2012 Confederation of African Rugby Championships in Tunis, Tunisia as the reigning champions. Having beaten Tunisia 16-7 in last year’s final played in Nairobi. Playing their first match on Tuesday 10 July, Kenya fell to a 19-20 defeat at the hands of regional rivals Uganda, relinquishing the title in this semi final fixture. Up next for them would be a third place playoff match against hosts Tunisia who were the victims of a 14-30 loss to Zimbabwe. Kenya, needing to win against a Tunisian side they had never defeated in Tunis. Kenya pulled off the improbable, registering a 31-24 away win that ensured they would not be relegated from the Division 1A, thus securing their right to qualify for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Zimbabwe ran off with the title, beating Uganda 22-18 in the final as Tunisia was relegated to Division 1B.
KENYANSTAR SEP / OCT 2012 51
OPINION
HOW TECH-SAVVY IS OUR SPORTS? Times have changed, if you are not on Tweeter or Facebook, you definitely need a tweak and a facelift. Victor Milimu and John Aggrey combined to tell us how our clubs and athletes can build brand equity on social media.
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iscussion over technology in sports and its implementation will always be a controversial topic of debate. The argument of goal-line technology in football is one that occurs every season, from ‘The Russian Linesman’ goal in the 1966 World Cup final right up to more recently in this country, Gor Mahia’s unseen goal at the 2012 top 8 final against Ulinzi Stars. The human default setting is to remain conservative, but to move football into the 21st
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century change is inevitable. As technology becomes more prevalent in sport, so does the platform of social media. Fans and the general public now have access to their favorite sportsmen and women at the touch of a button. The question is if our clubs are doing their best to maximize on this. Manchester City, are lauded over their use of original and innovative ways at creating web content. Clubs in the Kenya Premier League can learn from the ‘middle Eastlands’ revolution.
Social Media and Sports: How to maximize on Social Media The trends of social media are changing daily. Everyone is on the web and the world has become one global village in a short time. The power of social media has so far made it hard to hide any information. From twitter, the information gets to Facebook and then all over a sudden, a discussion ensues on the internet and in minutes an apology or congratulatory message is being issued. Sports personalities and institutions have been caught between a rock and a hard place. Transfer rumours, shake ups and results are quickly reaching audiences in a second. The insights generated by trending stories are so huge. Facebook and Twitter are widely recognized as the most popular social media outlets, but not every club in the KPL has embraced them. Actually apart from Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards who arguably have the largest following in the KPL, other teams presence online are personal initiatives rather than club owned. Manchester City has recently
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partnered with FourSquare where fans can check into the Eithad Stadium and take advantage of club offers on hospitality and merchandise. This provides fans with exclusive access to content they would not have been privy to a while back. Liverpool on the other hand was the first club to have a presence on Pinterest- a pinboard-style social photo sharing website that allows users to create and manage theme-based image collections. There is Instagram and Tumblr but many clubs are using Pinterest as images become increasingly popular with fans. For the club’s digital marketing department not only does it mean good SEO (search engine optimization) and website traffic, it also keeps the brand up-to-date. Get online Open; pressure to be visible or invisible is on every athlete. The power of the two is so immense leading to sharing crucial information and also personal data as inevitable. Open a Twitter, Facebook , Linkedin or Google+ accounts and pages. This is the basic and first step to take. Update; Regular status updates or tweets are important in keeping your fans engaged in knowing what you are up to. Share personal stories and related content in your field. The challenge of updating on several platforms has been solved by new integrated ways of updating several sites at the same time. Focus; Your aim of being online is to sell yourself positively and increase visibility. There will be varied opinion by your many followers hence staying focused to your business is crucial. It is better to avoid unnecessary trends
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rather than court controversy. Make necessary comments and status updates that will cement your popularity with your fans. With good page administration, the relevance of the page will be maintained. Creativity; The world does not just revolve around you or your organization despite the fact that you are a public figure. Share relevant stories that concern you with your fans. You could share news from other sources as long as it keeps the relevance tag tight. Many a times, it is ‘how’ and not ‘what’ is said that is bound to raise dust so work on how you present information online. Post videos and photos that will work to boost your image online. Engage; Ask the right questions and also comment on trending topics in the world within your field. Respond to people in a respectful way even if they are mean- as many people prefer ‘anonymous’ identities online . Don’t just post, but interact with people online to give your presence life. Avoid; racial or updates that are likely to raise controversy. Social media interactions have been subject of court cases and tribunal hearings of late. So avoid any negations that might take away
from what you have invested time to build. The modern football fan wants to communicate with their football clubs and other supporters. They may desire more information than what is offered on the official website (which apparently most KPL teams don’t have) and also wish to discuss events such as how the team performed in the last game or any new signings. KPL clubs may have Facebook and Twitter accounts, but most are using them to reiterate information that is already on the website and to plug non-match events or even if not that, are rarely updated. Older football fans are more likely to use other forums, as this is what they’re traditionally used to. The lack of any platform from some KPL clubs suggests they are not really doing anything to actively engage with younger fans or in simpler terms – new fans. Various clubs have shown initiative with creative online campaigns, but the online presence needs to be sustained if the supporters are to feel truly valued. As these clubs strive for success each match-day on the pitch, perhaps a significant step would also be to bring their social media interaction with fans up to a worldwide standard.
KENYANSTAR SEP / OCT 2012 53
OPINION
LIFESTYLE; SPORTS IS NOT ONLY ABOUT TALENT
There is good and best, and the difference between the two lies in simple personal decisions and lifestyle choices. Kenyatta Otieno looks at sex, food and alcohol in relation to athletes and life in general.
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admire Paul Tergat for the same reason I have respect for John Baraza of Sofapaka and Rangers FC Julius Owino awilo Mwaha. In Africa I will take Maria Mutola, Haile Gabre Sellasie and Kanu Nwankwo. Across the Atlantic I give it to Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs and the athletics duo of Marlen Ottey and Paula Radcliff. The sportsmen mentioned above ruled (some still do to date) for a long time than their peers. Many athletes- every sports person is
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an athlete- came in after them, shone and faded out then disappeared from the limelight leaving them at the top of their game. The other end of the stick has many examples locally and internationally. I don’t have to dwell so much on it, I know you already have examples of sportsmen akin to one-hitwonders in the world of music. Success and failure in sports has been subject to scientific research for a long time now. I will not go into the details
of genetic, nurture, nutrition and other parameters that have formed the basis for the inference of many sports outcome. Talent is God given, but not every person with sporting talent pursues it, even those who pursue it not all succeed in it. If we apply the law of natural selection – another word for the law of the jungle then survival in sports will be a matter of fitness. The best of the pool go to the highest level, while the weaklings fall off when the going gets tough. The assumption that the vigour and grind of sports will produce its best by separating the wheat from the chuff is only half true. In a world of options and varying social environments, and the fact that competitive sports is only for the youthful season of life, success has more than talent in it . Then again, not everyone with talent makes it in sports and not everyone who makes it to the highest level is exceptionally gifted as well. The social environment and lifestyle choices have direct effect on how and for how long a player performs. We are what we eat Food is a basic need to everybody but to athletes, it is more than
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basic. Peak performance requires the body to burn calories just like a car burns fuel. The calories required are obtained from good food. This is not about quantity but quality- what you can get from a kilogram of maize meal may be gotten from half that amount of spaghetti. My colleague James Oluoch covers this in details in his HEALTH column. What we eat is subject to the culture we live in while the quantity is determined by metabolic rate. Sportspeople must be willing to eat ‘out of the box’ sometimes. It is prudent to consult a nutrition expert for advice so as to get maximum returns from our culinary engagements. Looking at KPL players’ physical size, one is left to wonder if our clubs or national team can stand up to West Africans. Endurance and performance are directly proportional to the quality and quantity of food an athlete eats, hence the seriousness it deserves. Quality is not subject to price, I believe someone can eat well on minimum cash. Fruits and vegetables and starch are basic and affordable. The problem is the human appetite will lean towards unhealthy foods which happen to be expensive as well. Sexual healing Sex has become so common that if you apply the laws of demand and supply, then it has lost its value. Success in the sports arena leads to celebrity status which definitely attracts the opposite sex and possibly lots of casual sex opportunities. Physical exercise also leads to high testosterone levels in the blood
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which also makes sportspeople to have a high sex drive. Sex is good but like everything else in life, it requires moderation and control. Former Italy football captain Fabio Canavaro once said that sex gives him the energy to perform on the pitch. To others it could be the opposite but they will not admit it. Sex experts will tell you the stress relieving effects of good sex- note the action word good. The problem is too much of it is not good, especially with many partners. As much as good sex has its benefits, the resources and time involved in seeking and executing (for the singles) it may affect the time required and energy levels for practice sessions. If sex is a stress reliever, casual and unprotected sex has risks that make it counterproductive. It is prudent that a player looks at the advantage of delayed gratification in relation to sex. It is good if an athlete understands himself well so as to have a good balance especially the married ones. Sex has brought down kings and many sportsmen as well. The s-tipple chase Trust Kenyans to coin creative words- I had never heard of s-tipple chase before the 2012
London Olympics. We are known the world over as the seven laps-jump over barrier- and water champions. Our alcohol consumption is also higher compared to many developing countries. The s-tipple chase description is definitely a home truth. Alcohol needs moderation, if you can’t control it the only option is to quit. A friend once told me that running with gumboots is not prohibited in the Olympics. Which means you can go to the sprint blocks in gumboots, run and finish the race- but at what cost? So it is with alcohol, as much as it is not prohibited, it comes with unnecessary baggage. Smoking and chewing miraa (khat) just complicates the equation. The effects of khat, a mild stimulant, may not be evident immediately but the compounded effects are negative; loss of sleep and appetite are bad for an athlete. Conventional wisdom has taught me that discipline in life is what separates good from best. In social matters go for moderation, to talent add skills. Talent in itself is not a guarantee of success; lifestyle must be planned around talent to harness it. Our athletes must exercise discipline, wisdom and moderation if they are to play and win for long.
KENYANSTAR SEP / OCT 2012 55
OPINION
Regardless of sport, any athlete who has not considered (or does not understand) the importance of working with experienced public relations team, should do the following 12 things a strong PR team can do for an athlete. A strong PR team will:
PUBLIC RELATIONS
THE SPORTS WAY
Our sports athletes train and prepare in private but then run and play in public. In most sports in Kenya, the relationship between Federations, players and the general public is poor where it exists at all. Michael Kwambo, tells us how PR is important for you and for our sport.
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e all know that human beings cannot coexist without communicating. But this eternal truth is also available in the world of sports. To succeed
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in sports, you need to master communication and its means. A modern way to handle good quality communication in the sports world is to use a strategic public relations and communications team.
1. Get them recognized for doing the right thing, help build the athlete’s brand and have them known for what they are doing outside of their sport, as well as what they are doing in it. 2. Build a solid plan and help them understand that true PR strategy involves more than pure publicity tactics. Building brand presence requires a lot more than “red carpet appearances” and “photo ops.” Don’t get me wrong, while these can be important, athletes should not get caught up in the hype unless they want to be known as the overexposed party person who’s always on the scene. 3. Coordinates with the agent, l a w y e r, m a n a g e r, PR and marketing teams, and sponsor(s) to ensure everyone is informed and in sync with all things being
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done to raise the athlete’s profile. T he i m po r t a n c e o f a ge n t s , athletes and PR experts working together if success is going to be achieved is part of executing the right strategic PR plan. The right PR team will ensure that balance is in place and avoid the thin line between an athlete being a superstar and becoming a major distraction to the team. 4. Enhance their position and make them more marketable to corporate sponsors, endorsements and outside revenue generating opportunities. 5. Value the perception people have of them and work to keep it positive. It is often the difference between a long-term contract, lucrative endorsement deals, multiple sponsorships and postcareer opportunities. 6. Effectively manage them through crisis situations. Our job is to prepare the athlete for the inevitable by building the bank of goodwill they may have to withdraw from when crisis hits. The ability to manage the message in the hours and days immediately following a crisis and the manner in which crises are handled often prove to be the difference between reputation recovery and failure. We don’t “spin” at any point because when you spin you don’t win. It’s not about spin. Spin is twisting truths in an attempt to deflect blame and accountability. Recovery depends on levels of truth that enable you to tell your story and ensure the end result is balanced. 7.
Help ensure you are
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accountable and keep things in perspective. A good PR person is not going to tell you what you “want to hear.” Our job is to tell you what you need to know and keep you on track. 8. Train the athlete on media handling and dispel any misconceptions. In addition, teach effective strategies for getting media in their corner, as well as proper interview techniques. By educating athletes on the specific job media have to do and helping them understand their role in it and how they can work it to their advantage. It is about the power and position in building their brand image, increasing their marketability and earning substantially more over the course of their career. 9. Get athletes “on message,” – what and how to say it. They should also understand what that means and why it’s important – especially in interview situations. Messaging is at the core of PR success and is the foundation of any strategy for long-term career. 10. Build and execute an effective social media strategy and enable athletes to engage their fans and other key communities in the right way, while building a
strong following via the right social media vehicles. There is no question social media can be one of the most powerful brandbuilding tools. At the same time, it can also wreak havoc on one’s career if not used properly. Social media has changed the way we do business, how news is reported and how we communicate. If it is in your mind, it doesn’t mean you must post it, tweet it, YouTube it or Facebook it. 11. Manage their online and “offline” reputation, what they do “off-the-field,” meetings with sponsors, media interviews, and public appearances. Everything they do can and will be used against them in an endorsement deal or contract negotiation. 12. Teach them how to win a room over, what to talk about and how to talk about it in a room full of sponsors and executives. Winning people over whether it is media, sponsors, potential advertisers or high school kids, starts with great conversation. What you say, how you say it and most importantly how you keep your audience engaged and interested is critical. In business, and in sports, the most successful are those who are able to speak well and express their ideas.
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OPINION
KENYAN ATHLETES CAN CLAIM THEIR WORTH IN ENDORSEMENTS By Richard Wanjohi
A
s we finalize on our Business in Sports series Richard Wanjohi writes on endorsements and why our athletes and their agents need to go after it with the same zeal they go for honours in the sports arena. There are other honours that can be won after the finishing tape or final whistle. Kenyan athletes are constantly in the limelight for their record breaking performance. We have the likes of David Rudisha, Pamela J e l i m o, E z e k i e l Ke m b o i a n d Vivian Cheruiyot, all big names and potential big brands for endorsements. The achievements made by the athletes named above would
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be any business and marketers dream in terms of endorsements, brand ambassadors and face of campaigns that would be rolled out by corporates. And though some have enjoyed a level of visibility by different brands e.g. Rudisha’s endorsement of a shoe polish brand, Vivian Cheruiyot’s face as part of international debit card promo campaign and also to some extent former Olympian Catherine Ndereba’s cameo appearance in a personal hygiene product promo. Others who enjoy something close to an endorsement include Jason Dunford’s use of image for a local water infrastructure company. The concern though arises from the fact that most of these ‘endorsements’ are more shortterm and some even without any monetary or remuneration in place. Which brings to question whether corporate firms do commit real worth to sports personalities? Running after endorsements Many of our sports personalities work with agents who are quick to get them running and appearance obligations in the different circuits in Europe. There ought to be an equal measure of pursuit of corporate firms which can use the sports personalities for promoting their brands. This also throws the gauntlet to local sports marketing firms which have not yet perfected the art of sports endorsements. Compare this with such feats as Samuel
Etoo who besides being the highest paid footballer endorses products by Puma and Ford. He has managed to stay among the top sports personalities with good endorsements and now a pay check which is any footballer’s envy. We have seen our football heroes Dennis Oliech and MacDonald Mariga make exploits in European league. But none has been able to attract brands worth mentioning. Our athletes also have a responsibility to maintain top form and an image off the limelight that is worth associating with. Over the years we have had enduring sports personalities who have come close to such endorsements including Paul Tergat, the late Samuel Wanjiru (who endorsed a Japanese sports supplement brand) after his marathon exploits in Beijing, Kip Keino too was the face of a famous ball-point brand for sometime in the 1980s and early 90s. In summation though, it is our hope that Kenyan sports personalities will realize their true worth in branding and endorsing products and that they shall be able to secure long term deals. This is to ensure better investment by brand custodians. It will also ensure safer income threshold for the sports people once they retire from their active days. Aren’t they all envious of one Michael Jordan who even in his retired state is still selling shoes under one of the leading sports shoe brands in the world?
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OPINION
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KENYANSTAR SEP / OCT 2012 59
Volleyball STADIA OPINION
KNOW YOUR STADIA -
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RFUEA GROUNDS
pe ne d in 1955, the RFUEA Ground is a rugby union stadium located on Ngong Road in Nairobi, Kenya. It was purpose built to be the home of the national team and to serve as the headquarters of the Rugby Football Union of Kenya (RFUK). C o i n c i d e n t a l l y, t h e R F U E A ground has another parallel with Twickenham Stadium in the United Kingdom in that it also serves as the home ground for the Kenya Harlequin Football Club, just as their sister club the London Harlequins once played at Twickenham. Many internationally renowned teams have played here including the British Lions (1955 & 1962), the Barbarians (1958), the S p r i n g b o k s ( 1 9 6 1 ) a n d Wa l e s (1964). The 2009 IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy took place on this site (with some games also being played on the neighboring Impala RFC ground). For fifteen tears, it served the
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site for one of the largest and most prestigious annual sevens tournaments in Africa, the Safari Sevens (now played at the Nyayo Stadium), the RFUEA ground has hosted matches between such diverse teams as Samoa, Emerging Springboks, Zimbabwe, British Army, Public School Wanderers, Bristol University and UniversitÊ de Grenoble. At an altitude of 1,650 metres (5,410 ft) above sea-level, it is higher than three of the four vaunted stadia of South Africa’s highveld; Loftus Versfeld Stadium Pretoria at 1,214 metres (3,983 f t ) , t h e F re e S t a t e S t a d i u m Bloemfontein 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) and Royal Bafokeng Stadium Rustenburg 1,500 metres (4,900 ft). Only Ellis Park in Johannesburg at 1,750 metres (5,740 ft) is higher. It still serves as the home ground of club side Kenya Harlequins and the Kenya fifteens national team who play their international fixtures here.
Opening The first match played at the ground was East Africa versus the British Lions on 28 September 1955. It attracted a crowd (with borrowed seating) of 6000 and J.A.E. Siggins, the manager of the Lions, was given the honor of opening the ground in the presence of His Excellency Sir Evelyn Baring, the Governor of Kenya. Upgrading In October 2009 the Rugby Patrons Society donated Ksh 1.2 million to the Kenya Rugby Union, thus providing 60% of the funds required to sink a bore-hole in order to ensure that the pitch can be maintained in excellent condition. Then on 29 May 2010, the Safaricom foundation gave KSh13.2 million to the Kenya Rugby Union for the rehabilitation and expansion of the ground to seat an additional 1,500 people on a brand new terrace on the Ngong Road side of the ground -info courtesy of Kenya Rugby Union and the Rugby Patrons Society
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PITCH POET Volleyball
Rudisha; the dust is yet to settle Until now the dust has not yet settled On that track somewhere in London Still nobody is by now seated In that Olympic stadium in London Hail King David!! Long live King David!! Everybody seems to be shouting Silent shouting but vivid David is the king of the 800 metres He is the crowned World Champion The gold medalist Olympic Champion And he leads others by a couple of metres Hail King David Lekuta Rudisha He who breaks his own world records He who is the world record holder Who can stand with him shoulder to shoulder? By Mwangi Gichau
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KENYANSTAR SEP / OCT 2012 61
HEALTH
HEALTHY DIET FOR SPORTSMEN We always take what we eat for granted or we leave it to be dictated by our culture and economic standards. To athletes, diet is as crucial as the playing surface, James Oluoch gives us tips that will come in handy for anyone involved in physical exercise.
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portsmen by the nature of their chosen profession, put great stress on their bodies on a daily basis when they go out into their various arenas to perform. Here they are expected to perform at optimum levels day in day out and no doubt fatigue and general wear and tear of the body sets in much faster. One of the core fundamental components of being on top of the game is diet. A sports man must replenish on a daily basis to maintain the optimum body weight and health. A top athlete must have a balanced diet in the right quantity and quality. The quantity will also depend on his sport, weight and height, once these are established; the coach can work with a nutritionist to roll out a proper diet programme. For top sportsmen, carbohydrates
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are the main fuel for their bodies. Their energy is mainly derived from high quality carbohydrates such as pasta, rice and potatoes. Proteins are also needed mainly to repair and rebuild muscle that is broken down during exercise. Protein also helps optimize carbohydrate storage. So athletes must maintain a high level of good protein intake with starch. It is important to note that the meal and proportions taken depends on the sport. It is generally recommended that one should load in the carbohydrates a few days before a game and tone down closer to the time of performance. Below is an example of what a soccer player’s match day meal could be. Eat a heavy breakfast consisting of whole meal bread with a good spread of say pea nut butter, some
fresh fruits and juice. Porridge or oat meal can also be included. At lunch (which should be 3-4hours before the match) take lots of salads, a chop of turkey or chicken with pasta or mash potatoes. This should be in smaller quantities to avoid being too heavy during the game. Aim being to store enough glycogen that will come in handy during the game. During the game, ensure constant hydration. Hydration should start way before the game and one way of checking if you are well hydrated is by observing the urine color, it should not be dark. At half time, take a banana or an apple to maintain glycogen levels. After the game, one needs to make a quick recovery from the workout. Continue with the hydration to maintain electrolyte levels in the body by taking in lots of water. You also need to rebuild broken tissues so I could recommend a drink like yogurt with a slice or two of whole grain bread with a spread of honey. This will ensure depleted muscle and liver glycogen is adequately replaced. Along with a good diet, also adopt other healthy habits. Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol intake and get enough sleep always. You are what you take and taking in healthy stuff will make you healthier as you perform better on your game.
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Volleyball
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64 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012
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